Serving Callaway County communities since 1875. www.fultonsun.com Wednesday, May 28, 2008
	Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 08:35:11 am CDT United Way increases 2009 fundraising goal By CHRIS WALLER The Fulton Sun   As the cost of living steadily increases, so does the cost of services the United Way provides to Callaway County. “The needs for these services are out there and the people who use our 14 agencies - their needs will be even greater because of food and gas prices,” Executive Director Kathy Richey Liddle said. Because money is becoming tighter within the organization, the Callaway County United Way board of directors decided at a meeting earlier this month to set its largest goal ever for its 2009 fundraising campaign. The board set the goal at $250,000, which is $30,000 more than the amount raised by last year's effort. “It's a very aggressive goal,” Richey Liddle said. “We are crossing our fingers and hoping and praying we will meet it because it's definitely needed in our community.” The Callaway County United Way serves 14 agencies in the county, including SERVE, the Red Cross, Head Start and both the Boy and Girl Scouts. Richey Liddle said each of those organizations are asking for more funding from the United Way, which prompted the decision to increase the fundraising goal. “Every year our agencies come and apply for funding, and we can not give them what they need,” Richey Liddle said. “We never really can give them that, even with this increase.”   Richey Liddle said in order to reach the unprecedented goal, the United Way will try and target those who have not donated in the past and may be unfamiliar with the organization. “We are looking for companies that do not have employee campaigns and we are sure there are many people who do not give now,” she said. “We are trying to make ourselves a larger presence in the community to get more donations. “We are counting on the community and we are going to try and apply for some grants and other funding avenues.” Richey Liddle also said understanding what the United Way does and how it uses its funding was key to gaining support from the community and donations. “The United Way is the easiest way to help a large number of people with a little bit of money,” she said. “We are careful in who we fund and we make sure our money is used wisely. “By giving money to the United Way, you are giving to 14 agencies that provides over 200 services to the community. We help small children all the way to the elderly. One donation goes a long way.” Those interested in donating to the United Way can ask about it through their workplace, or call 573-642-0536.