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United Way of Portage County tops campaign goal

United Way of Portage County has exceeded its 2000 campaign goal by $100,000. The agency has received $1,647,303 in contributions and pledges, Campaign Chair Chuck Nason announced Wednesday at a campaign celebration at Sentry Theater lobby.

"Our campaign was built on a solid foundation. Our results have gone through the roof," said Nason, president of Worzalla Publishing Co.

"What a great credit to this community and all of Portage County," he said. "This tremendous response shows how much we care for our friends and neighbors. We'll be able to fund the pressing needs of United Way for the next year. We're very fortunate and thankful to have enthusiastic volunteers coupled with generous givers in our community."

The United Way campaign goal of $1,547,000 was a 6.4 percent increase from the amount collected in 1999. The actual result was a 13 percent increase - twice the target.

The 20 largest employers in Portage County collectively gave 13 percent more this year, Nason noted. He called Sentry Insurance the cornerstone in the campaign, contributing 26 percent of the goal, or $426,673.

Stora Enso of North America's corporate support was a delightful surprise, Nason said. The company announced in the middle of the campaign that it would match gifts of active and retired employees. Based on employee giving of $18,803 at the Stevens Point Division, $23,652 at the Wisconsin River Division and $1,227 from retirees, Stora Enso will contribute a total of $43,682.

Fourteen organizations more than doubled their contributions, including Delta Dental where contributions tripled. Eight businesses increased giving by more than 50 percent. Among them were McCain Foods, Figi's Inc., Noel Group, Qualex and Silgan Containers.

Twenty-one businesses contributed for the first time this year, Nason noted, giving a combined $19,672. First-time givers were led by SPAN Publishing, which donated $8,088.

Nason thanked the 25 businesspeople and other volunteers who served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, donating their time since last summer to visit organizations on behalf of United Way. He also thanked campaign coordinators at more than 200 businesses and organizations who managed employee campaigns in their workplaces.

"The generosity and kindness of the people of Portage County is remarkable," said Sue Wilcox, executive director of United Way of Portage County. "We are so grateful to the thousands of individuals and businesses that support our campaign with such enthusiasm. We truly have a caring community."

The money raised will help fund 31 programs offered by 20 agencies in Portage County in the year 2001.

In addition, the campaign supports a Special Allocations fund that is available to meet emergency and emerging needs in the county.



	United Way of Portage County tops campaign goal United Way of Portage County has exceeded its 2000 campaign goal by $100,000. The agency has received $1,647,303 in contributions and pledges, Campaign Chair Chuck Nason announced Wednesday at a campaign celebration at Sentry Theater lobby. "Our campaign was built on a solid foundation. Our results have gone through the roof," said Nason, president of Worzalla Publishing Co. "What a great credit to this community and all of Portage County," he said. "This tremendous response shows how much we care for our friends and neighbors. We'll be able to fund the pressing needs of United Way for the next year. We're very fortunate and thankful to have enthusiastic volunteers coupled with generous givers in our community." The United Way campaign goal of $1,547,000 was a 6.4 percent increase from the amount collected in 1999. The actual result was a 13 percent increase - twice the target. The 20 largest employers in Portage County collectively gave 13 percent more this year, Nason noted. He called Sentry Insurance the cornerstone in the campaign, contributing 26 percent of the goal, or $426,673. Stora Enso of North America's corporate support was a delightful surprise, Nason said. The company announced in the middle of the campaign that it would match gifts of active and retired employees. Based on employee giving of $18,803 at the Stevens Point Division, $23,652 at the Wisconsin River Division and $1,227 from retirees, Stora Enso will contribute a total of $43,682. Fourteen organizations more than doubled their contributions, including Delta Dental where contributions tripled. Eight businesses increased giving by more than 50 percent. Among them were McCain Foods, Figi's Inc., Noel Group, Qualex and Silgan Containers. Twenty-one businesses contributed for the first time this year, Nason noted, giving a combined $19,672. First-time givers were led by SPAN Publishing, which donated $8,088. Nason thanked the 25 businesspeople and other volunteers who served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, donating their time since last summer to visit organizations on behalf of United Way. He also thanked campaign coordinators at more than 200 businesses and organizations who managed employee campaigns in their workplaces. "The generosity and kindness of the people of Portage County is remarkable," said Sue Wilcox, executive director of United Way of Portage County. "We are so grateful to the thousands of individuals and businesses that support our campaign with such enthusiasm. We truly have a caring community." The money raised will help fund 31 programs offered by 20 agencies in Portage County in the year 2001. In addition, the campaign supports a Special Allocations fund that is available to meet emergency and emerging needs in the county.