FUND DRIVE CLOSE TO 5 PERCENT OF GOAL; WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY

Nearly one month into an annual capital campaign, the Area Wide United Way has raised close to 15 percent of its $925,000 goal.

The total got a big bump Friday when Saint Francis Medical Center announced the results of its fund drive. The hospital set a goal to raise $62,000 from employee contributions this year and surpassed it by $500.

United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan said the capital campaign experiences a "lull of activity" in September while area businesses and individuals organize their fund-raising efforts. Although several businesses, including Saint Francis, Eddie Bauer retail store and Scott City School District, have completed fund drives, the heavy reporting won't begin until next month.

"A lot will be kicked off in October, but we have some early indications of some significant increases," Jernigan said.

Southeast Missouri State University set a goal of $20,000 this year, well above its previous efforts. Other groups also have high goals to help the United Way distribute funding to at least 26 local agencies and organizations in 2000 to support 42 programs in Cape Girard-eau, Jackson and Scott City.

Such efforts will help the United Way reach its goal, which exceeds last year's record campaign total by $107,000, said Jernigan.

"We looked at where our potential was and established our goal based on our potential for raising the money," she said. "I feel like we can really raise $1 million over the next couple of years."

Jernigan said groups are being creative in their fund-raising efforts this year. For example, everything from elementary school contests to see who will bring the most quarters to the mathematically challenging Penny Wars at Central Junior High School are being used to ensure Cape Girardeau retains the traveling trophy it won last year by raising more money than Jackson for the United Way.

To make it more interesting, Scott City schools joined the contest this year. If Cape Girardeau or Jackson schools wins, the trophy will be presented during the county rivals' annual football game next week. If Scott City wins, the trophy will be awarded later in the month.