United Way groups in Southern Illinois announce campaign goals

Three Metro East area divisions of United Way have announced their individual campaign goals.

On Sept. 10 at the St. Louis Cardinals game, United Way of Greater St. Louis announced its overall 2017 campaign goal of $75.5 million.
“United Way not only invests in a network of quality agencies that are changing lives, but we also collaborate with partners to create real and sustainable solutions to the systemic issues that hinder the future of our region’s growth,” said Orvin Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “It is because of the tremendous support from this region that we’ve been able to help local people for 95 years.”

With support through individual and corporate donations, United Way is able to invest more than $1 million each week into the region to create a solid foundation for a good quality of life through basic needs, education, financial stability, health and strong communities. Last year, about 100,000 individuals and businesses donated to United Way to collectively raise more than $75 million.

Here is a recap of the three Metro East divisions:

Illinois Division of United Way

SWANSEA – The Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently announced its 2017 campaign goal of $1,350,000. The annual fund-raising campaign began with a golf scramble on Thursday, Sept. 7 and will run through early November.

Nearly 150 golfers participated in the scramble, which was held at the Clinton Hill Golf Course in Swansea.

United Way’s Illinois Division helps more than 130,000 people in Clinton, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties every year and supports 30 health and human service organizations.

“The money invested through United Way provides critical resources, services and programs to our Illinois communities and the entire St. Louis region,” said Phil Hickman, 2017 United Way Illinois Division Campaign Chair and president of Associated Bank, Southern Illinois/St. Louis Metro East Market. “We are once again calling on our neighbors throughout Illinois to support United Way, which has a positive impact on the lives of so many people in our region.”

Southwest Illinois Division

EAST ALTON — The Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently announced its 2017 campaign goal of $1,720,000.
Cindy Smalley, Southwest Illinois Division 2017 campaign chair, made the announcement at a campaign kickoff event on Thursday, Aug. 31.

“I’ve served as a volunteer with United Way for over a decade and have seen firsthand the tremendous impact of United Way and its member agencies in our Southwest Illinois communities,” said Smalley, director of marketing and communications of Cope Plastics. “The vital work and vast reach of United Way throughout the entire St. Louis region is critical to creating robust and safe communities for everyone.”

The Southwest Illinois Division of United Way annually helps more than 180,000 people in Madison, Macoupin, Jersey, Greene and Calhoun counties and supports 38 local health and human service organizations.

Tri-Cities Area Division

GRANITE CITY — The Tri-Cities Area Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently announced its 2017 campaign goal of $525,000. Adam Mahlandt, 2017 campaign chair of United Way’s Tri-Cities Area Division, made the announcement at a kickoff breakfast event. The annual campaign runs through early November.

The Tri-Cities Area Division of United Way helps more than 80,000 people each year in the cities of Granite City, Madison, Mitchell, Pontoon Beach and Venice and supports 20 health and human service organizations in the area.

“United Way helps people and creates lasting change and impact for families and communities throughout our entire region,” said Mahlandt, general superintendent for Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. “Through United Way, thousands of people in our community will receive the critical resources they need, like food, shelter, emergency aid, safe havens and so much more. And this is only possible because of the generosity and support of our neighbors to invest in United Way.”

For more information about United Way’s community campaign or to pledge a donation, visit HelpingPeople.org.