United Way of the Plains announced today a total of $15,050,755 raised during the 2010 campaign—topping the goal of $15,000,000. United Way revealed its fundraising total to a crowd of nearly 900 volunteers, company representatives and other supporters during its Campaign Victory Luncheon at Century II Convention Hall.
“Based on the economic environment, we knew that this year’s campaign would be tougher than many in the past,” said 2010 Campaign Chairman Paul Allen, chief executive of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. “We feared many of our long-term supporters wouldn’t be able to help at the levels of the past. But we also knew that the people of this community have an incredible history of helping their neighbor in need. We have not been disappointed. We thank the donors for their generous support, and especially those that made their gifts in spite of facing the possibility of pay cuts and layoffs. This willingness to help those in need speaks volumes about the quality of our community.”
Top gifts reported at the luncheon (corporate and employee giving):
- Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. raised $2,350,000
- Cessna Aircraft Company raised $1,123,000
- Hawker Beechcraft Corporation raised $1,121,000
- Cargill raised $655,580
- INTRUST Bank raised $410,162
- Bombardier Learjet raised $336,700
- Boeing Defense, Space & Security raised $332,000
- Via Christi Health raised $281,709
- QuikTrip Corporation – Wichita Division raised $255,338
- USD 259 Wichita Public Schools raised $237,681
- Koch Industries, Inc. raised $221,923
- Westar Energy raised $209,469
- City of Wichita raised $184,000
- Bank of America raised $150,000
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September 16
Today United Way of the Plains kicked off its 2010 annual campaign with a campaign goal of $15,000,000 to address community needs in Sedgwick and surrounding counties. More than 650 campaign volunteers, community leaders, and other supporters attended the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast at Century II Convention Hall.
Pacesetter campaigns were held during the summer at six companies. They raised a total of $115,085. That represents a 14% increase over what these same companies raised last year.
Results from companies that completed early Pacesetter campaigns this summer:
- Credit Union of America raised $16,317
- Sara Lee raised $3,019
- Star Lumber and Supply Company raised $51,419
- Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP raised $13,105
- The Martens Companies raised $21,722
- Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas raised $9,503
Donations can be made to United Way of the Plains through payroll deduction at participating employers, online (see link at left), or by mail: United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67202.
The annual fundraising campaign continues until November 19 when final results will be announced at a report luncheon at Century II.
United Way focuses on the building blocks of a better life for all:
- Education - helping children achieve their potential: Quality child care, school readiness, academic completion, and more
- Income - promoting financial stability: Financial stability, job training, laid-off workers assistance, and more
- Health - improving people’s health: Access to health care, health education, specialized medical equipment, and more
United Way makes an impact on the issues above by:
- Funding 86 programs at 35 agencies in the community
- Forming partnerships with schools, government, nonprofits and companies
- Helping people find services through United Way’s 2-1-1 service (dialing 2-1-1 connects people to hundreds of local services—not limited to programs funded by United Way)
- Matching volunteers to needs through the United Way Volunteer Center
- Collecting and distributing in-kind gifts through the United Way Give Items of Value Program and more
This year United Way also has the challenge of continuing funding the Laid-Off Workers Center which officials estimate will distribute over $1 million in emergency assistance.
