The United Way in Waukesha County has set a goal to raise $4.3 million during its annual fall fundraising campaign. The amount represents a 5-percent increase over the organization’s 2010 campaign results, which totaled nearly $4.1 million.
“One in every five people in Waukesha County has sought assistance from a United Way-funded program within the last year, ” said Joan Shafer, vice president of customer service at We Energies and co-chair of United Way’s 2011 campaign. “Conversely, only one in every 29 people in Waukesha County contributes to the United Way campaign. We would have the opportunity to help thousands more people each year if we had just as many individuals contributing as we did individuals seeking assistance.”
According to Shafer, the key goal of this year’s campaign is broadening the base of support.
“While Waukesha county is a wealthy community, there are still pockets of poverty within the County where residents need our collective assistance,” said Paul Melnick, chief credit officer of Marine Bank and United Way in Waukesha County board president. “By increasing the number of organizations and individuals supporting the campaign, we hope to help more people in the community who are in need.”
