With just over two weeks left in the 2009 United Way of Portage County campaign, volunteers are working hard to raise the funds necessary to support 34 community programs next year. Organizers currently project a shortfall of $150,000 from last year’s mark, and are encouraging members of the community to do what they can to help close this gap.  

“We are so grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have stepped up and done amazing things to support the 2009 campaign. It is so great to live and work in this community where there is a long-term tradition of caring for others,” says Jeanne Regnier, 2009 Campaign Co-Chair. 

Skyward increased their contribution by 25% this year with a combined corporate and employee contribution of $23,876. Also leading the way with combined employee and corporate gifts was CN with a 14% increase to $15,234, RR Donnelley with $10,146, and Wysocki Produce Farm/Paragon Potato Farms increasing 6% to $19,241. One hundred percent of employees at Mid-State Technical College contributed to the effort to raise $5,336. Several area schools reported workplace results this week including PJ Jacobs Junior High School with $3,720; Roosevelt Elementary with $2,852; Saint Bronislava School with $544; St. Josephs Early Childhood Center with $30; McKinley Elementary with $4,960; and Kennedy Elementary with $935. Other workplace campaigns with inspiring results include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County increased 69% to $1,315, while Silgan Containers corp increased 12% to $2,021; Cherek, Chesbrough, Pucci, Quick, Wittman SC with $650; and Village of Plover employees with $490. Badger Plastic and Supply Company, Dun-Rite Cleaners, Kevin Raflik Drywall, and Excellence Dental contributed generous corporate gifts.

Steve Regnier, 2009 Campaign Co-Chair continues, “For 60 years, United Way’s campaign has never dropped below the amount raised the previous year. Now is the time for our community to pursue solutions together so our current projected shortfall does not become reality. Every dollar counts, and there is still time to give, or give a little more if you can.”

For more information about how you can make a difference, visit www.unitedwaypoco.org or call (715) 341-6740.