United Way’s goal ‘achievable’

Butler County campaign goal set at $2.1 million, which is 3 percent higher than 2009’s total.

HAMILTON — This year’s Butler County United Way campaign goal of $2.1 million is achievable because of changes made to make the nonprofit’s message more focused, said the organization’s top executive.

The goal was announced by campaign chair David Lippert at the Community Launch on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Fairwood Elementary. The goal is 3 percent higher than last year’s total, which was just more than $2 million, he said. Yet last year’s total fell short of its $2.45 million goal, said Maureen Noe, Butler County United Way president and CEO.

What’s different this year, Noe said, is that on July 1 the nonprofit implemented changes to make the partner agencies it funds more accountable. United Way is now funding programs aligned with its goals to help adults be self sufficient and youths become successful adults.

“We think it’s achievable because our message is focused,” Noe said. “People tend to be generous to the things they can see.”

The event coincided with the National Day of Service and Remembrance honoring those lost in the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, which Noe cited as a call to action.

After the breakfast campaign launch, Lippert said about 80 volunteers participated in United Way’s Fall Day of Caring.

The goal is definitely achievable, Butler County administrator Bruce Jewett said.

“I’m hoping we can do significantly better than that,” he said of the goal.

United Way’s campaign season is from September to December. Results are set to be announced Dec. 9.

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