September 13, 2006
UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN 2006 KICKS OFF!
Campaign Chairman David Lanier Announces a $4.3 Million Goal!

Macon, GA—Today, hundreds of volunteers were on-hand to help United Way of Central Georgia kickoff the Annual Campaign at the Douglas Theatre. This event marks the beginning of the four-month fundraising drive to raise money for 73 local health and human service programs of 40 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.

The meeting began with United Way Board Mardie Herndon, president of Suntrust Bank Middle Georgia, introducing David Lanier, this year’s campaign chair. “I know all of us gathered here today understand the enormous challenges the community and United Way face,” said Lanier, regional president of BB & T’s Mid-South Georgia Region. “But, I’m proud to say that our United Way and its leadership are committed to making sure we raise the funds necessary to improve lives here in Central Georgia by having a measurable impact on the crucial issues facing our region. To that end, we have set an ambitious goal of $4.3 million and I have no doubt that with your help, we will achieve our goal. ”

The campaign was jump-started with a special leadership gift presented to J. Clay Murphey Chair Steve Kruger, L.E. Schwartz & Son, by Lanier. This area of $1000+ givers is the fastest growing segment of the United Way campaign and key to its success.

The Kickoff event included a “double feature.” 13WMAZ produced a campaign video for use in the hundreds of employee campaigns run during our fundraising season. The video, focusing on local individuals helped by United Way, was premiered at this event. United Way would like to thank Dodie Cantrell, Jeff Dudley and Cindy Hill from 13WMAZ.

A hilarious soap opera spoof, United Ways of Our Lives, produced by Cox Communication, was used to introduce Campaign Chairman David Lanier. It starred Lanier in multiple roles--doctor, waiter, father, doorman--as he helped a zany cast of community leaders get out of various predicaments.

United Way thanks Mike Dyer, Mary Bowman Huff and Tabitha Walker from Cox Communications. To learn more about what United Way of Central Georgia is doing for the community, visit our website at www.unitedwaycg.com.