DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — United Way of the Greater Dayton Area officials know they will face one of their toughest fundraising challenges yet when they kick off the campaign on Friday, Aug. 29.

Not only are people concerned about the economy, rising fuel prices and their own job security, campaign chairman Bob Curry said. But United Way — which historically has relied on workplace giving — also faces the challenge of having to make up for funding losses due to corporate relocations, plant closings and more announced layoffs.

The numbers are still being analyzed, but United Way President Marc Levy said they may have to raise $800,000 to $1 million in new contributions this year to fill those gaps.

United Way's board of directors will meet Wednesday to set a campaign goal.

"I certainly hope on my watch that we make as much as last year," Curry said. About $11.8 million was raised in 2006 and 2007.

Economic challenges facing the community are a big part of why officials say the campaign is so important.

Levy said there is a growing demand for services as the community deals with the foreclosure crisis and the loss of more jobs. General Motors Corp.'s announced in June it plans to close the 2,500-employee Moraine assembly plant in 2010, if not sooner.

That means many people and their families who have not traditionally turned to a network of health and human service agencies are now accessing the system, Levy said.

Gary Auman, chairman of the United Way's board of directors, said the campaign helps raise funds for nearly 80 agencies in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

It also helps fund other initiatives United Way set up with various agencies, including Dislocated Worker Assistance that links working families in crisis to services and providing emergency food; and Foreclosure Prevention, to help struggling homeowners find assistance.

The latest example of how the need for services outpacing funding came this summer when partner agencies requested $2.3 million more than was available from last year's campaign.

Curry said he worries that during the down economy, people may be tempted to "pull in the reins" and be more cautious about giving. But he and Levy hope people can see beyond that and consider digging deeper.

"We need folks to be willing to step up — at least maintain their giving — even in these tough times," Levy said. "And those who haven't stepped up to help us get there, knowing what that means for the folks who are being impacted by the economy."

United Live Concert for Community

Where: Fraze Pavilion

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29

What: Campaign kickoff with the Grammy-nominated Wilberforce Choir opening for the Ohio Players, a Dayton-based funk band.

Tickets: $15 at the Fraze box office, area Ticketmaster locations or by calling United Way at (937) 225-3141. For more information, go to www.liveuniteddayton.org.