COLUMBUS, Ind. — United Way of Bartholomew County leaders announced a scaled-down, $4 million annual campaign in a brief, outdoor and socially distanced ceremony Friday at Columbus City Hall.
That goal is unusual since the nonprofit raised $4.13 last year and a record $4.25 in 2018. And leaders generally automatically aim at a higher total each year.
But United Way of Bartholomew County President Mark Stewart told an invitation-only crowd of about 45 people representing some of the agency’s most loyal corporate supporters that “due to economic conditions, we thought it appropriate to revise our goal.”
Yet, Stewart passionately emphasized that United Way’s 17 agencies that lead 34 programs desperately need the public’s support “more than ever.” Those agencies work ranges from youth mentoring programs to senior health initiatives to job training help. Figures show that such efforts reach fully one-third of the county’s population.
For that reason and more amid an economic downturn, Stewart asked companies to consider boosting their support this year. And he also asked another favor.
“The second request, is to please advocate for the United Way campaign within your circles of influence,” he said. “As trusted community leaders, your voice makes a difference.”
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.
