News and Events

2009 United Way Campaign Kicks Off

Volunteers, donors and community leaders were on-hand to help United Way of Central Georgia kickoff the Annual Campaign at the Cox Capitol Theatre. This event, sponsored by Cox Communications, marks the beginning of the four-month fundraising drive to raise money for 77 local health and human service programs of 37 Partner Agencies. These programs depend on United Way of Central Georgia to keep up with the demands of helping people in the fourteen-county area we serve.

“We had a really tough year last year like all of you in your businesses,” 2009 United Way Campaign Chair Jim Manley, president and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Middle GA, told the crowd. “But, we are starting to see glimmers of hope and I have faith in Central Georgians that we will get through this and we will get through this together.”

“It was not easy trying to come up with a figure this year. But after analyzing last year’s campaign results, we feel that the amount we are striving for is a real stretch. But we’re determined to succeed, and with the team we’ve put together, I’m sure we will.”

With that, Manley announced a goal of $4,225,000. “Yes, the challenges are great,” said Manley, “but so is the helping spirit that is evident in Central Georgians year in and year out. We’re counting on that spirit to help us achieve this year’s campaign goal.”

The Kickoff featured a campaign video, produce by 13WMAZ, for use in the hundreds of employee campaigns run during our fundraising season. This year’s video builds on last year’s LIVE UNITED theme. New television PSA’s, produced by 41WMGT, were also premiered at this event. The spots featured local celebrities from The Telegraph, 13WMAZ, 14WMGT and Clear Channel as well as another spot featuring this year’s Campaign Cabinet. This unified media advertising campaign will also feature print ads that will be appearing in The Telegraph throughout the campaign.