United Way has high hopes despite lowered goal

After wrapping up a Wednesday morning pep rally replete with cheerleaders, popcorn and the announcement of the winner of its song contest, the United Way of the Lowcountry had to face the music: Pledged business donations are down compared to the same time last year.

The organization also announced a smaller than usual increase in this year's fundraising goal. The goal will rise by $25,000, from $2.7 million to $2.725 million. The 2006 goal was $2.6 million.

In 2007, United Way already had met 30 percent of its goal before its kickoff event through employee campaigns at businesses. This year, however, 16 percent, or about $437,000, had been raised before Wednesday's celebration.

Jill Briggs, executive vice president of United Way of the Lowcountry, said a couple of large Beaufort County employers, which she would not name, decided not to participate in the early fundraising. Instead, those businesses plan to hold their employee campaigns in the fall. That was part of the reason for the decline in donations to date, she said.

Briggs said the decline in donations and the lower than usual increase in the organization's fundraising goal reflects the area's economy.

"It's a little bit uncertain out there," she said. "People are just being cautious."

Still, Briggs said the organization is "hopeful we can exceed that goal." The agency hasn't missed its target in 13 years.

"We're going to make it," she said.

Michael Reeves, chairman of United Way's Bluffton and Jasper County campaigns, said he has several strategies to "combat the economy."

He and his volunteers will call new businesses in Bluffton and Jasper County, which is joining the effort for the first time. Volunteers also plan to target the area's Hispanic population through Spanish-speaking volunteers.

The money United Way helps 39 agencies in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Meeting the goal ensures each agency receives a minimum stated dollar amount, Briggs said.

During Wednesday's kick-off at the Bluffton Boys & Girls Club, Amiri Farris, the 30-year-old art director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, performed his creation, "Live United," which was the winner of the United Way's song competition.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler player Chris Gardocki of Hilton Head Island punted a ball to officially begin the fundraising.