United Way increases its goal

Homeless shelters. Family counseling and child-care services. Senior centers and teen centers.

In all, more than 30 nonprofit organizations in Kootenai County rely on the United Way for funding. But last year’s campaign raised only about two-thirds of the total amount sought.

This year’s campaign goal wouldn’t cover all those funding requests, either. But organizers now hope to surpass the goal and come much closer to meeting the needs of United Way’s beneficiaries.

They’re motivated by a challenge from hospitality magnate Duane Hagadone, the honorary campaign chairman, who called the $500,000 goal too low and promised to match all donations that came in over that mark.

“He said our goal needs to be $600,000,” said Caryl Johnston, executive director of Kootenai County United Way. “We’re asking people to step up and meet the challenge. Obviously, there’s a need in the community.”

Last year’s fundraiser brought in about $420,000, well below the $620,000 groups applied to receive. Though it’s still early in the campaign, Johnston said preliminary numbers are promising.

Donations as of Friday totaled $187,000. U.S. Bank employees gave $42,000 – a 28 percent increase over last year, Johnston said. Most workplace drives are continuing or have yet to start.

About 200 businesses participate, and it’s up to them how they organize and advertise their fundraisers.

Kootenai Health is reaching out to more than 1,600 employees in the region, hoping for wider participation in the campaign. Organizers of the drive are using a bingo-style game to boost interest. Employees can buy bingo cards or get one when they turn in their United Way pledge forms. Numbers will be sent via e-mail throughout the day, and winners will get gift certificates and other prizes.

Kootenai Health devotes most of its fundraising support to United Way, spokeswoman Lisa Johnson said. “We’ve found it’s the best way to help the most people,” she said.

Dirne Community Health Center receives about 60 percent of its funding through local grants such as those from United Way.

“It’s pretty significant,” said Hollie Baker, director of development at Dirne.

Businesses can submit pledge forms anytime, so the clinic sees small donations trickle in throughout the year along with the United Way grants.

“We do rely heavily on just those little things,” Baker said. “It’s just to keep us up and going.”

United Way hopes to have donations totaled by January, in time for the first round of grant proposals.

“We’re really, really hoping that everybody will take to heart Mr. Hagadone’s offer and be generous,” Johnston said. “Come forward this year to help people in the community.”