by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?
On most days, a hot dog, chips and a cold drink will cost you a few bucks at Hemming Plaza but Thursday, City employees who attended the United Way Expo didn’t have to dig into their pockets for their noon meal.
According to Housing & Neighborhoods Department Coordinator James Richardson — who is also the campaign manager for the City employees’ United Way campaign — the event was a way to raise awareness of the importance of the fundraising effort.
“And a way to thank them for their contributions,” he said.
Richardson said about 75 percent of the total contributions come from payroll deductions from City employees, with the remaining 25 percent coming from fundraisers like the Expo.
The event offered City employees some creative ways to move closer to their goal of raising $358,000 for the United Way this year.
About a dozen departments set up booths in the plaza for bake sales, book sales, garage sales and raffles. The Administration and Finance department is selling $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win a donated Chevrolet Impala. The drawing will be held Dec. 22.
“It’s going to be a very merry Christmas for somebody,” said Rodney Smith, superintendent of Fleet Management for the department.
Richardson said he has been working with Roslyn Phillips, the City-wide chair for the campaign and Mickey Miller, Leadership Campaign chair, to make the Expo a success. He also said that all City departments — plus the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the constitutional offices — pitch in to hit the fundraising goal each year.
Raising that much money takes extra effort and the administration understands, said Richardson
“The City permits its employees to take the time to work toward the goal for the United Way because it’s the City’s primary charitable fundraiser,” he said. “But we still have to do our jobs.”