United Way to open drive; Northwest is 'Pacesetter'

A kickoff breakfast for the Nodaway County United Way 2008 fund-raising campaign will take place at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Holiday Inn Express in Maryville.

Though always a partner in the annual charity drive, the Northwest community is especially involved this year, since the University has agreed to act as a "Pacesetter," which means contributions and pledges from faculty, staff, retirees and University partners will serve as a standard against which other divisions can measure their progress.

According to Nancy Baxter, chair of United Way's University Employee Division, the University's United Way goal for 2008 is $14,000, or just over 15 percent of the $90,000 the organization hopes to raise this fall.

Contributions will be used in support of 15 area agencies and organizations that provide services to young people, the elderly, the infirm and those facing financial and other hardships.

"Your generosity makes a significant difference in United Way's ability to meet its goal," Baxter said in urging members of the Northwest community to help make this year's drive a success. "Your help is needed."

Faculty, staff and emeriti who did not participate in last year's campaign will receive their United Way pledge cards in the mail. Payroll deduction, for those who choose that option, will not begin until January, 2008, but such gifts will be included in Northwest's total.

Total of contributions raised before the kickoff event will be announced at the breakfast and used to help "set the pace" for the current effort.

"To jump-start the campaign as a Pacesetter is an honor and a challenge," Baxter said. "Everyone who has made, or who plans to make, a donation will have the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference in the life of a neighbor in need."

Anyone with questions about the University portion of this year's United Way campaign should call Baxter at 660.562.1440 or e-mail nancybx@nwmissouri.edu.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone (660) 562-1704
Fax (660) 562-1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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