June 26, 2008

United Way of Champaign County exceeds $3 million Campaign Goal

June 24, 2008

United Way of Champaign County is pleased to announce that for the first time in history the campaign has exceeded its goal of $3 million.  The 2007 Campaign will close out with nearly $3,085,000.  This exceeds last year’s campaign figures by 6%.  Last year over 5000 donors in Champaign County entrusted United Way with making sure their dollars were truly making a difference.

“Kay and I are really excited that we finally broke the $3 million ceiling and we are certain that coming years are going to see even further gains and we look forward to being a part of it.” said Mark Ballard, Senior Vice President, BankChampaign.   Kay Machula, General Manager of UpClose Marketing & Printing served as co-chair with Ballard of the 2007-2008 campaign.

United Way of Champaign County provides ongoing service while also addressing the human care needs of the community.  The funded programs impact the lives of thousands of children, individuals and families in this community.  United Way works with community partners to create long-lasting changes.

Lyn Jones, President and CEO of United Way summed up the team effort by saying, “The United Way family is very grateful and inspired by the generosity of so many people in Champaign County.  This year we saw record numbers of employees participating in workplace campaigns along with the increased giving of our Pillars.  Within the past few weeks we received a special gift from Carle Foundation Hospital putting us over our $3 million goal.  Clearly Champaign County cares about the kids and families who need assistance and have backed up their concerns with financial support. Because of the success of this year’s campaign we know community agencies will be able to continue to provide critical services to children and families here."

Lynne Barnes, Carle Foundation Vice President of Clinical Operations and United Way Board member stated, “It’s an honor to know that Carle Foundation Hospital’s special senior impact grant to United Way was the catalyst that thrust them over their campaign goal.  But what’s really important here are the many people that will be served as a result of our entire community’s outstanding support of United Way,”

Barnes went on to say, “We are very grateful that Lyn Jones and her team at United Way embraced our vision for a community that cares about the dental needs of our low-income, older adults and does something about it.   They cheerfully agreed to take on the challenge of discovering ways in which dental services could be provided successfully to older seniors and to be the driving force behind moving such an initiative forward in Champaign County. “

In the fall of 2007, Carle Foundation Hospital conducted a senior needs assessment.  This assessment confirmed other reports that poor seniors—especially those 65 and older—do not have access to affordable dental services in our community.  Carle Foundation Hospital has contributed significantly towards dental programs for adults and children in Champaign County.

For more information:

Please feel free to contact Lyn Jones, President & CEO at United Way of Champaign County, 217-352-5151.