United Way to officially kick off campaign Wednesday
The 53rd annual United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades campaign will kick off its community wide fund-raising campaign Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 a.m., at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.
President Cliff Smith said United Way partners with 72 local agencies, along with running the United Way housing in the community.
The goal of the 2010 campaign is to raise $8 million, so they can meet the needs of the community and help raise money for the network.
The kick off at Harborside will also feature the Pacesetter results of the 80 companies that have already started their campaign efforts.
The event will help United Way raise the rest of the money it needs to fund local agencies to provide assistance to local people. He said the network of agencies really needs that support because of the people that have been laid off or have had their hours reduced.
“The real message is with the down turn of the economy there are a lot of people that need our help right now,” Smith said.
He said he is grateful for the companies that provide United Way with the resources it needs to help the people who need that additional assistance.
“We are humbled by the generosity of the community,” Smith said.
Smith said about 700 people are expected to attend the event Wednesday.
For more information, call 239-433-2000 or visit www.unitedwaylee.org.