COLUMBUS, Ind. — Nonprofit United Way of Bartholomew County’s annual fundraising campaign hit its $4 million mark — and did so days before its end-of-March deadline.
The final total stands at $4,088,480.
United Way President Mark Stewart readily pointed out that this was the toughest campaign he’s ever led since assuming his post in 2012. But then again, he quickly pointed out that, paired with his agency’s first-ever COVID-19 Relief Fund reaching a total of more than $600,000, the combined total represents the strongest United Way fundraising ever — and all amid a health and economic crisis that left many without jobs, or with a serious concern about losing a job.
“So we’re thrilled for our (17) partner agencies,” Stewart said, adding that they should be allocated at least as much in funds as last year.
United Way’s drive is important because its 34 programs reach nearly one-third of Bartholomew County’s estimated 83,000 residents in some way, shape or form. Those programs range from senior exercise to youth sports to mentoring programs for youngsters in single-parent homes.
For more on this story, see Sunday’s Republic.
