2012 United Way Campaign Surpasses Goal

More than 150 people gathered  at the Angry Bull  to celebrate the results of the 2012 United Way Annual Giving Campaign for St. Clair County.  Amid an event themed around having fun and making the goal, Campaign Chair, Jeff Beckett announced that the goal had been exceeded!!  The amount raised, $1,434,474  is 102 percent of the goal of $1,400,000.   Jeff Beckett, Owner of Port City Companies, thanked Campaign volunteers and donors for their hard work and for the contributions by area companies and individuals for this Campaign.  Lonnie J. Stevens, United Way Executive Director, said “This event is intended to thank the campaign volunteers from the various businesses that hold internal United Way campaigns.  Tonight Jeff wanted them to have the opportunity to share what they each do for special events that raise the extra dollars and create the enthusiasm for giving.  Each table centerpiece explains who did the event and how to do it.  The idea is everyone goes home with new ideas for next year.”  Both Beckett and Stevens credited an increase in Campaign presentations to employee groups as a great aid in making the goal.  “When it comes to reaching new contributors, there’s nothing more effective than face-to-face communication with groups of employees in their workplace,” Beckett said.  Giving to United Way by payroll deduction remains the easiest way to give. We are extremely fortunate to have corporations and businesses that make that a reality for donors. We thank each and every one of them.”   The evening culminated with Beckett reminding everyone that the Campaign reporting is over but two events still need to be completed, the Annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast, which will be held at the Eagles Hall in Port Huron on March 15^th from 6 to 10 a.m. and the completion of the sale of Freighter Raffle Tickets with winners to drawn at the United Way of St. Clair County Annual Meeting at the end of April.