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United Way nears 93 percent of campaign goal

The United Way of Portage County campaign needs another $112,000 to reach the 2000 campaign goal of $1,547,000.

With $1,434,980 in cash and pledges, United Way is at 92.7 percent of its goal.

"We're trying to wrap it up. We remain optimistic about meeting our goal," said Chuck Nason, campaign chairman and president of Worzalla Publishing Co. "At the beginning of this campaign, I said we would raise what we needed. What we need is to get in all the pledges from businesses and individuals we haven't heard from yet."

Copps Corp. and employees at corporate offices and the three area grocery stores gave $117,117. The second largest contributor to United Way of Portage County, Copps' donations increased 10 percent from 1999.

Copps Corp. employees gave $61,411. At the Food Centers, employees gave $12,192 at the South Side store, $4,935 at the Plover store and $4,782 at Copps East. The corporate gift totaled $33,797.

"The Copps Corporation continues its distinguished role of supporting this community. When there's a need, Copps has always been in the front," Nason said.

Recording a significant increase in giving was Noel Group, where gifts rose 63 percent. Employees gave $20,890, which was matched by the company for a total gift of $41,780.

"Noel Group ran a dynamic campaign. Their results are reflective of their leadership support of United Way and our community," Nason said. "Both Copps and Noel Group are outstanding corporate citizens."

Spurred on by a 26 percent giving in employee giving, Sunrise Medical donated a total of $29,844. Wisconsin Central Ltd. gave corporate and employee gifts totaling $21,052.

Giving at Figi's rose 75 percent, with employee and corporate gifts of $12,106. Bank One gave a corporate gift of $5,650 bringing the total donation with employee contributions to $10,430. ShopKo North gave $3,154.

Also completing campaigns were H.O. Wolding with $2,000; Rosholt Public Schools with $1,909; Community First Bank, $604; and Midstate Truck Service, $500.

In the direct mail campaign, retired individuals have met their goal of raising $47,000. "It's absolutely terrific that our retirees, many of whom are on fixed incomes, still show their caring concern for their community. I'm ecstatic with their giving," Nason said.

The grand prize winner of two airline tickets was Michael Beacom of Stevens Point. Beacom, graphic designer at the Portage County Gazette, won the tickets for travel anywhere in the continental United States. Courtesy of Marathon Travel, the tickets are valued at $1,200.

"From what I know, United Way does a lot of good for a lot of people in the community," Beacom said. "I don't have a lot to give, but I wanted to do something to help." The tickets were the final of three prizes donated by local businesses to thank those who contributed to the United Way campaign.

Contributions may be deducted monthly from either a checking or savings account, or donors may specify billing dates. Contributions may be sent to United Way at 1100 CenterPoint Drive, Suite 301, Stevens Point, WI 54481. For more information, call 341-6740.



	United Way nears 93 percent of campaign goal The United Way of Portage County campaign needs another $112,000 to reach the 2000 campaign goal of $1,547,000. With $1,434,980 in cash and pledges, United Way is at 92.7 percent of its goal. "We're trying to wrap it up. We remain optimistic about meeting our goal," said Chuck Nason, campaign chairman and president of Worzalla Publishing Co. "At the beginning of this campaign, I said we would raise what we needed. What we need is to get in all the pledges from businesses and individuals we haven't heard from yet." Copps Corp. and employees at corporate offices and the three area grocery stores gave $117,117. The second largest contributor to United Way of Portage County, Copps' donations increased 10 percent from 1999. Copps Corp. employees gave $61,411. At the Food Centers, employees gave $12,192 at the South Side store, $4,935 at the Plover store and $4,782 at Copps East. The corporate gift totaled $33,797. "The Copps Corporation continues its distinguished role of supporting this community. When there's a need, Copps has always been in the front," Nason said. Recording a significant increase in giving was Noel Group, where gifts rose 63 percent. Employees gave $20,890, which was matched by the company for a total gift of $41,780. "Noel Group ran a dynamic campaign. Their results are reflective of their leadership support of United Way and our community," Nason said. "Both Copps and Noel Group are outstanding corporate citizens." Spurred on by a 26 percent giving in employee giving, Sunrise Medical donated a total of $29,844. Wisconsin Central Ltd. gave corporate and employee gifts totaling $21,052. Giving at Figi's rose 75 percent, with employee and corporate gifts of $12,106. Bank One gave a corporate gift of $5,650 bringing the total donation with employee contributions to $10,430. ShopKo North gave $3,154. Also completing campaigns were H.O. Wolding with $2,000; Rosholt Public Schools with $1,909; Community First Bank, $604; and Midstate Truck Service, $500. In the direct mail campaign, retired individuals have met their goal of raising $47,000. "It's absolutely terrific that our retirees, many of whom are on fixed incomes, still show their caring concern for their community. I'm ecstatic with their giving," Nason said. The grand prize winner of two airline tickets was Michael Beacom of Stevens Point. Beacom, graphic designer at the Portage County Gazette, won the tickets for travel anywhere in the continental United States. Courtesy of Marathon Travel, the tickets are valued at $1,200. "From what I know, United Way does a lot of good for a lot of people in the community," Beacom said. "I don't have a lot to give, but I wanted to do something to help." The tickets were the final of three prizes donated by local businesses to thank those who contributed to the United Way campaign. Contributions may be deducted monthly from either a checking or savings account, or donors may specify billing dates. Contributions may be sent to United Way at 1100 CenterPoint Drive, Suite 301, Stevens Point, WI 54481. For more information, call 341-6740.