Live United in Northeast Florida

United Way Kicks Off Campaign with Concert on the River!

From top: the 2008 Campaign Goal; 2008 Campaign Chair, Marty Lanahan; the Jacksonville Jaguars mascot, Jaxson de Ville.

With nearly 1,000 guests in attendance, United Way of Northeast Florida kicked off the 2008 Community Campaign on September 25 at The Jacksonville Landing. 2008 Campaign Chair Marty Lanahan, North Florida Area Executive and City President of Regions Bank, announced the campaign goal of $26,350,000 that will allow United Way to create opportunities for a better life for First Coast children, youth, seniors and families.

Unlike the organization’s traditional sit-down luncheons, the outdoor evening event was electric, drawing community citizens as well as company employee campaign leaders to the Landing. Decked out in t-shirts emblazoned with the words “LIVE UNITED”, the new United Way call to action, guests were reminded by United Way Trustee Chair Kevin Twomey, “when you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all.”

As a group of volunteers unveiled signs revealing the goal, Lanahan led the crowd in cheers of “LIVE UNITED”. She explained, “With these funds, United Way will continue working to make measurable, long-term improvement in people’s lives and in the quality of life for our community.”

While this event officially kicks off the beginning of United Way’s annual giving campaign, many businesses and organizations held workplace campaigns early as a catalyst to jumpstart the Community Campaign. The dollars raised from participating Pacesetter organizations and other early gifts totaled $7,165,280. The results of the Pacesetter campaigns were announced during the kickoff.

In addition, United Way has identified many new businesses that will be running first-time campaigns this year. United Way leaders recognize that this will be a challenging campaign season given the tough economic times. To that end, United Way Board of Directors Chair Barbara Drake stated, “The Northeast Florida community is doing all that it can to rally and demonstrate support for its citizens.”

The campaign kicked-off with local band, Sugar Bear, playing upbeat rock ‘n’ roll music onstage. Describing the goal, Lanahan stated, “This is a big number, but we need to reach this goal in order to ensure that our region’s children, seniors, and families will thrive.”

Connie Hodges, United Way of Northeast Florida’s President, explained, “United Way’s Community Fund supports programs that target the building blocks for a good life: early childhood success, helping students at risk of dropping out, and keeping seniors active and independent.”

If you couldn’t be there, click here to experience the fun and excitement of the community campaign kickoff!

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