United Way Campaign Underway
United Way’s annual campaign begins in Kootenai County today with a flashy video featuring none other than Coeur d’Alene’s favorite star, Anna Pearce, aka Patty Duke.
“She volunteered to be the chief spokesperson on the local video and tell people what convinced her to donate her time,” said Lucinda Ade, United Way of Kootenai County director. “It’s a thoughtprovoking but feel-good film.”
Ade plans to raise $450,000 from county residents, most of it from paycheck deductions spread throughout the year. Her organization raised $440,000 last year.
“It’s a conservative increase,” she said Tuesday. “It’s just that we’ve been so incredibly successful over the last seven campaigns. I just wonder when it ends?”
The money will go to 33 non-profit organizations in the county chosen by a panel of 32 residents.
The recipients offer such services as child care, maternity counseling, emergency food and shelter, youth programs and assistance for seniors, children, the disabled and abused.
Money raised within Kootenai County stays in the county. The campaign will last six weeks and focus on the workplace.
Employees will watch the Duke video, which FOXTV produced, then decide whether to pledge part of their paychecks to the cause.
People who work at home or in a small business may contribute to United Way by calling the office at 667-8112. Ade said her organization will contact small businesses through the mail.
, DataTimes