Area Wide United Way celebrates another record-setting campaign

The Area Wide United Way recently celebrated another record-setting campaign, in which the organization has raised an estimated $908,652.91 to date.

During last week's Campaign Celebration held at Southeast Missouri State University's Dempster Hall, 2002 campaign chairman Larry Dunger recognized key campaign volunteers and significant employee campaigns.

The goal for this year's campaign was set at $895,000. Several campaigns are still under way. The first United Way campaign in this community ran in 1954 with a campaign total of $53,000.

Campaign cabinet volunteers recognized included:

Don Fisher, Southeast Missouri Hospital, vice chair

Ken Dobbins, Southeast Missouri State University, Leadership Giving

Dennis Marchi, Schnucks, Marketing chair

Janet Esicar, Capaha Bank, and Kathy Bertrand, USBank, co-chairs of the Employee/Corporate Division

David Shell, Commerce Bank, and Dereick Hodges, Albrecht and Hodges Insurance, co-chairs of the Professional Division

Melvin Gateley, local citizen, and Dan Muser, City of Cape Park and Recreation Department, co-chairs of the Public Service Division

Clint Karnes, Commerce Bank, and Dale Gilliland, State Farm Insurance, co-chairs of the Patron Division

Roger Tatum, consultant, Scott City Prospecting

Ken Parrett, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Prospecting

Three key volunteers were recognized for their "above and beyond" service. Karen Schenkelberg with Fru-Con Construction was recognized as Outstanding Industry Executive, Roger Tatum was recognized as Outstanding Account Manager, and Larry Stahlman with Procter & Gamble was recognized as Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator.

Key employee campaigns were recognized, including Procter & Gamble as the largest account, raising over $206,000, and St. Francis Medical Center the second largest, raising over $86,700.

Over 90 local companies ran internal employee campaigns. Contributions from these companies make up more than 75 percent of the total campaign dollars raised.

For more information about the Area Wide United Way, call 334-9634 or visit: www.areawideunitedway.org.