UNITED WAY VOLUNTEERS URGED TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC

Cape Girardeau Area Wide United Way volunteers were told at a kick-off luncheon Wednesday that their dedication and enthusiasm are the most important factors for a successful fund-raising drive.

That message was delivered by the keynote speaker, William Shores, regional manager for Union Electric Co. This year's campaign goal is $520,000.

Ron Hopkins, campaign chairman, introduced the campaign theme -- "Open Your Heart" -- in remarks to the volunteers.

"Without a concerted effort by everyone involved in this campaign, there would be no way to attain this goal," Hopkins said.

He said a quote of Theodore Isaac Rubin's illustrates the kind of commitment needed for a successful campaign: "Dedication to winning on any level in any area requires an intensity of emotional investment. Unfortunately, there are scores of people who cannot make the investment, who cannot feel strongly about anything."

Hopkins said unfortunately too many Americans seem apathetic. He said that wasn't the case for the roomful of volunteers who wanted to make their community a better place to live.

"Although we only have the campaign for a short time, there are 26 agencies which provide help 365 days out of the year," Hopkins said. "We appreciate your help in making that possible."

Dorothy Klein, United Way executive director, and United Way president John Mehner presented plaques and certificates to individuals and businesses who were part of The Lorimier Society in last year's campaign. Recognition for individuals begins with those who give at least $250; corporations become society members with gifts of at least $1,000. Procter & Gamble Co. was recognized in the corporate category for its gift of $10,000-plus last year.

Mehner mentioned a recent speech by NAACP former chairman Benjamin Hooks, whose central idea was that Americans are not thankful enough. Mehner said it is important to "remember what we have" when events are not proceeding as planned. "We need to give thanks more often," he told the group of volunteers.

The volunteers saw an 11-minute video highlighting efforts of the Area Wide United Way. Efforts to combat domestic abuse with a safehouse and Red Cross relief efforts in last year's flood were highlighted.

Hopkins said one thing that makes United Way his favorite charity is that all the money stays in the immediate area. He said 91 percent of the money is delivered to the agencies to provide services. He said he likes the idea that a local committee oversees the process to insure that the money is well-spent.

Shores, who has been involved with United Way activities in St. Louis for 30 years, said one of the most significant measures of the success of a society is how well it cares for its less-fortunate members.

Shores said the group should recognize that many agencies supported by United Way would not exist without that help. He said there is an increasing need for that support. He cited low birth weights among mothers using drugs and the 25 percent of Missouri babies who are members of families below the poverty level.

"A key element in United Way has always been volunteers," Shores said. He said volunteerism is alive and healthy, and a recent survey showed that 51 percent of American adults volunteered over 20 million hours in 1992.

Shores offered some suggestions for making the local United Way campaign successful. He encouraged active participation among volunteers, and said a short, dynamic campaign usually produces better results than a long one.

"The people I have met today are certainly enthusiastic and that, I'm sure, will translate directly into meeting the $520,000 goal," Shores said.