from staff
The United Way of Northeast Florida announced Friday that its 2010-2011 campaign raised more than $25 million, a 3 percent increase over 2009-2010.
The organization called it “a turnaround campaign” that marked “a significant improvement in giving since the economic downturn began in 2008.”
The campaign was led by Scott Brubaker, vice president of operations for the Publix Super Markets Inc. Jacksonville Division.
United Way said that during the economic downturn of the last three years, it and its partner agencies have seen an increase in calls for services and an increase in need in the community.
Funds are used to sustain and strengthen United Way’s community initiatives in Northeast Florida, including funding for 87 programs.
More than 1,000 companies and organizations led campaigns. Results included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, CSX Transportation Inc., Publix and Vistakon, which raised a combined total of more than $5.1 million.
Terry West, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union, was announced as the 2011 campaign chair.