Published: November 06, 2009 09:39 pm      

EKU seeking to boost United Way participation

After two years of declining participation, Eastern Kentucky University’s 2009 United Way campaign is going to focus on boosting the number of givers, rather than the amount give.

That was the charge given to United Way group leaders this past week by EKU President Doug Whitlock .

“If we can boost participation, cultivate a habit and pattern of giving, then the amount of the amount donated will rise,” he said.

“It’s a cruel irony,” Whitlock said, “that when the services of United Way agencies are most needed, raising money to fund them is the most challenging.”

Despite the challenge, the president said he was confident that university employees would respond positively.

“I know the hearts of the people on this campus, and I know what they rise to the challenge,” Whitlock said.

Last year, 360 EKU employees gave to the United Way, said Jim Fisher, campus campaign coordinator.

“We can do better than that,” he said, “and I know we will.”

The goal for participation this year is 750 of about 2,200 employees.

“That’s a daunting challenge,” Fisher said, “but it’s something we can do.”

Three years ago, 653 EKU employees gave a total of $34,525 to the United Way, according to information distributed to the group leaders. The following year, the number had dropped 22.5 percent to 506, but giving went up 3.8 percent to $35,850.

In 2008, however, participation dropped another 28.8 percent and total giving dropped 24.5 percent to $26,813.

EKU’s United Way volunteers will begin calling on fellow employees with donation information and pledge cards this week in an effort to reverse that trend, Fisher said.

The goal for the county-wide United Way campaign is $300,000 said Corey Bray, also an EKU employee.

Each employer conducts its own campaign with support from the United Way of the Bluegrass, he said.

Most years, giving by EKU employees accounts for about a third or more of local United Way contributions.

The EKU volunteers were giving some economic statistics highlighting the needs of Madison County and the challenge of meeting them.

In August, Madison County’s unemployment rate was 9.6 percent, significantly better than the statewide rate of 11.1 percent. A year earlier, the state unemployment rate was 6.7 percent and the local rate was 5.7 percent.

The county’s median household income is $32,861. Of the county’s 70,875 residents, the income of 11,900 – 16.8 percent – is belown the federal poverty standard.

Nearly one in four, 24.8 percent, do not have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED).

Bill Farmer, who recently came to central Kentucky from Charlotte, N.C., to head United Way of the Bluegrass, said the organization is refocusing its efforts toward education.

That’s because many people find themselves in need because of decisions made early in life, he said.

“If we focus on education, so young people can make better decisions, then they will can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives,” Farmer said.



Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.