ST. LOUIS, MO (August 19, 2009) — United Way of Greater St. Louis announced Wednesday the goal for its 2009 fundraising campaign is $66.5 million. The campaign starts September 9 and ends early in November.

“We all know the need,” said Hugh Grant, 2009 United Way campaign chair and chairman, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “It’s times like these that call on us as a community to come together with United Way for one common cause – helping people.”

Eighty-five percent of United Way of Greater St. Louis’ 184 member agencies are reporting an increase in demand for services. During 2009, United Way of Greater St. Louis is investing more than $1 million each week to support agencies that provide a range of services including basic needs.

“The thing that struck me is the need in our community for these agencies and how these agencies touch all walks of life and all ages. It’s really quite remarkable,” said Grant, reflecting on his time spent at some United Way funded agencies. “They’re working in times of crisis, but they’re also doing a lot of work that prevents crisis from ever happening. Many of these agencies are dealing with people who they’ve never seen before, so there’s people being helped and touched who are new to United Way.”

Queanna Jones, who attended the GO! Network, an employment program partially funded by United Way through St. Patrick Center, a United Way member agency, is one of people profiled in United Way’s 2009 campaign video. She remarked how “I always thought I was contributing to someone else in need [through United Way’s campaign]. And then I realized, ‘Wow. I’m in need as well.’”

Agencies funded by United Way of Greater St. Louis provide vital health and human services to 1 million people each year, approximately one of every three people in the region. In all, nearly 200 diverse agencies across the region operate with funding from United Way of Greater St. Louis, and more than 90 cents of every dollar raised is used to provide critical services that help people in our region.

“Every gift matters when giving to United Way,” Grant said. “For example, $5 provides a child in need with breakfast for one week or $50 provides a parent education class aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect.”

Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said, “We’re seeing people who have never needed help before need help now. There are families who are in danger of falling through the cracks and it will take a generation for them to recover. We can’t allow that to happen. People in this region have a rich history of helping one another, and I am optimistic this year will be no exception.”

Last year, more than 200,000 donors and 2,500 businesses donated to United Way. Individuals can pledge a donation by calling 314-421-0700 or visiting www.stl.unitedway.org.

The money raised for the local campaign will stay in the 16 Missouri and Illinois counties: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Warren, and Lincoln in Missouri; Calhoun, Green, Macoupin, Jersey, Madison, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph in Illinois.

United Way logos (use option 3 please): http://www.stl.unitedway.org/uwlogos.aspx

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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