United Way Nears $3.9 Million Goal

Jill Darling, left, with the Northwest Arkansas United Way, presents the Live United award Wednesday to Lauren Peterson, representing General Mills, recipient of the award.

Jill Darling, left, with the Northwest Arkansas United Way, presents the Live United award Wednesday to Lauren Peterson, representing General Mills, recipient of the award.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

— United Way of Northwest Arkansas officials thanked scores of volunteers and business leaders Wednesday for their support during the 2013 campaign.

“We had a great year, and I think we are going to reach our $3.9 million goal,” said Jill Darling, president and chief professional officer of United Way.

Web Watch

United Way Awards

A complete list of award winners will be up on the United Way website by the end of the week. To view the winners from the 2013 campaign, go to unitedwaynwa.org.

About $3.5 million has been collected toward the goal, Darling said.

“Additional money will continue to come in from the national organization as money is donated through payroll deductions the remainder of the year,” Darling said.

The annual fundraising drive began in August and ran through the end of the year. Because the money is collected and distributed in 2013, it is called the 2013 fundraising drive. The 2014 United Way drive is scheduled to begin in August or September, according to United Way officials.

United Way will begin sending money in July to the 67 nonprofit agencies selected as recipients this year, Darling said.

Laura Kellams, a member of the United Way board, helped hand out more than two dozen awards to those who donated money or time to the organization.

“Without volunteers the drive wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for your continued help and support,” Kellams said.

The monetary goal of the United Way drive inches up a little every year, Darling said.

“Next year we want to raise $4 million and I think we can do it,” Darling said.

The economy is improving, but needs are increasing, she said.

“It’s getting tougher to raise the money we need as corporate and individual giving is down because of the economy and the needs of our community are growing,” Darling said.

The local United Way has done well, and Darling expects it will continue to despite the reduction in giving

“Northwest Arkansas is a great community with great people,” she said. “I know it’s hard to give money when the economy is slow. We may have to work a little harder and try new things, but Northwest Arkansas residents continue to come through for us.”

Shawn Walker, chairman of the United Way of Northwest Arkansas Board of Directors, said he is proud of the effort this year.

“It’s the people inside the companies that organize and energize employees who are the driving force behind our campaign. I thank all of you for a great campaign this year,” Walker said.