UW Pacesetter drive donations total $566,000

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Thanks to the contributions of pacesetter donors the United Way of Morgan County is ahead of last year as it launches its 2005 campaign to reach a goal of $2 million.
Pacesetter donations totaling $566,000 were reported at a campaign kick-off breakfast meeting Sept. 13, according to George Pollitt, executive director. Last year's total was about $50,000 less.
He singled out Daikin America for playing a major role in getting the campaign off to a good start. Its annual United Way Benefit Golf Tournament attracted 230 players and brought in $261,000. Last year's total was $227,000.
"Nova Chemicals gave $48,000, a $23,000 increase over the prior year, and Cerro Wire &Cable in Hartselle collected $34,000 with a participation rate of 70 percent," he added.
"We're off to a good start but it's going to be a challenge to reach our $2 million goal because of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina," Pollitt said. "Two of our participating agencies, the Red Cross and Volunteer Center of Morgan County, are leading relief efforts locally in support of its victims. They are depleting their resources and will be looking to us for more help."
He added, "The Community Free Medical Clinic has been added as a participating agency. Hartselle Youth Alive received a small amount of help last year and we would like to be able to do more."
The UW campaign will take place over a two-month period. Its target date for completion is mid-November.