Posted by Nick Dutton - email
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - The United Way hopes to raise nearly $18 million dollars this year.
They made the announcement during their campaign kickoff breakfast Wednesday morning at St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee.
In past years, they've always tried to raise just a little bit more money than the previous year, but last year found that wasn't the best method.
Now, The United Way is thinking big, upping the goal by more than 30 percent from last year.
"This is huge for us," said United Way of Greater Toledo president & CEO Bill Kitson.
"We're asking this community to come together and raise $17.9 million. Not for United Way. Not just for our partners. But for our friends, our relatives, and our neighbors."
"Putting a number on the need is not easy, because tomorrow's needs will be different than today's, just as today's are different than yesterday's. But we know the needs are still growing, which is why we think $17.9 million will be a great starting point," said Kitson.
United Way Campaign Chairman Richard Hylant said when a community builds a safety net to take care of its people, it sends a message. He says it shows northwest Ohio is a community dedicated to itself, not only for employers, but also potential employers.
Hylant said they'll target the four or five largest employers in the area this year to achieve their goal.
