United Way of Southeast Missouri announces 2005 campaign cabinet

United Way of Southeast Missouri recently named its new campaign members. Serving as campaign chairwoman is Kathy Bertrand of The Bank of Missouri; vice chairwoman is Jean Mason of AmerenUE. Serving as education/marketing committee chairman is Jon Rust of Rust Communications; and chairing the Top 20 CEO advisory committee is Steven Bjelich of Saint Francis Medical Center.

The cabinet, separated into four divisions, is also headed by volunteers.

Jay Wolz of Southeast Missouri Hospital and Maria Swan-Childress of JCS Tel-Link will co-chair the corporate/ employee division. Larry Dunger will serve as the corporate liason for Scott City businesses. Largest of the four, this division raises approximately 80 percent of total campaign dollars.

Sarah Culbertson and Lee Schlitt, both of Regions Bank, will co-chair the professional division.

Tracey Glenn of the city of Cape Girardeau is the chairwoman of the patron division.

Dan Muser of the City of Cape Girardeau's parks and recreation department, and Melvin Gateley, retired principal and former Cape Girardeau city councilman, will co-chair the public service division.

Volunteers are currently working together to set a goal and recruit additional volunteers to assure a successful campaign. Bertrand hopes to involve young professionals in this year's campaign, developing continuity for the future.

Individuals interested in helping with this year's campaign may contact the United Way at 334-9634. Campaigns begin in Cape Girardeau County, Scott City and Perryville during September and October. Funding will be allocated by the United Way of Southeast Missouri's board of directors during 2006 to programs providing services in these communities.

The goal for the 2005 campaign will be publicly announced at the campaign kick-off event in August.

For more information about the local United Way, visit www.unitedwayofsemo.org.