by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The United Way of Northeast Florida kicked off its 2008 fundraising campaign in late September, but now City leaders have started their efforts toward helping the organization reach its goal of more than $26 million.
Nearly 50 City leaders and department heads launched their own “Leadership Campaign Kickoff” event Wednesday at Community Connections of Jacksonville.
The families and children’s services facility was a fitting setting for the event because without the funding United Way provides, the services Community Connections provide would be significantly lessened.
“The United Way is a very important part of our program here,” said Pat Hannan, Community Connections executive director.
As part of its Leadership Campaign, City leaders and department heads are encouraged to donate $1,000 to the United Way of Northeast Florida while taking the same message of donating back to their respective offices
“It’s a great opportunity to provide needed help to those who need it,” said Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, City Environmental and Compliance director and 2008 City Campaign Co-Chair. “In turn, that makes the City of Jacksonville a better community.”
During an economic downturn, funding can be harder and harder to come by — not just for United Way, but for nonprofits of all kinds. But a down economy doesn’t mean the need for services decrease, making campaigns like the City’s Leadership Campaign a welcome source.
“We know as the economic tightens, it affects everyone in the country,” said Greg Frazier, Community Connections chief development officer. “We’re hearing more voices and the need is increasing in both the city and country ... our greatest fear is that people stop caring.”
Mayor John Peyton spoke during the event and praised the efforts of the people involved in the United Way’s and City’s campaign before alluding to the volatile economy and the challenge of meeting greater needs of the people.
“We’ve done great in the past,” said Peyton, “but as the need grows we have to do a little better.”
The Leadership Campaign is a significant contribution to the charitable organization, said United Way of Northeast Florida President Connie Hodges, with annual proceeds in the $375,000 area.
“It’s one of the larger (contributions) we receive each year,” said Hodges. “I’m very thankful for City leaders’ desire to help make a difference.”
For more information on the United Way of Northeast Florida, go to www.uwnefl.org.
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