United Way 2000 Campaign

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

Feb. 14, 2000 10 PM

More than $80,000 has been pledged for the United Way 2000 Campaign, and the first payment of the campaign will most likely be made to the agencies next month.

Doc Kirby, chairman of the Pike County United Way Board, said the payments are made to the agencies on a quarterly basis and there is enough money now for the first payment.

"There has been $83,000 made in pledges and we have collected about $25,000," Kirby said. "A lot of the money is payroll deduction and we get that periodically. We still have a way to go before reaching our $125,000 goal, but it seems like things are looking up."

The Pike County United Way Board of Directors met yesterday to discuss the 2000 campaign, business matters and toss around more fundraising ideas.

The Board approved the financial statement for the month of January, and discussed moving the expense account from Regions Bank to SouthTrust Bank. Currently, the Pike County United Way has two bank accounts at Regions Bank, an account at Troy Bank and Trust, and an account and a certificate of deposit at First National Bank of Brundidge. Kirby said moving an account to SouthTrust would give all the banks business since the banks give large donations to the United Way.

"The only bank that won’t have an account right now is Colonial Bank, and when we have another account we can open it there," he said.

A motion was made to move the account, and it was passed by the Board of Directors.

At an earlier meeting Scherryl Harrison, board member, suggest a masquerade ball during the month of October to raise additional funds for the United Way. Kirby said once the payroll deductions had been maxed out, it would be something different to get publicity for the United Way.

"We can develop a theme, like prominent historical figures, have live music and food, and charge for admission," Harrison said. "It will be something the community can participate in."

Harrison and Jane Thrash, executive secretary for Pike County United Way, will be making contacts about the masquerade ball.

The board also discussed having celebrity baggers at local grocery stores to raise money. The idea was tabled until the next meeting, but Jeff Kervin, Board member, suggested getting United Way agencies involved with the bagging the groceries for donations to the United Way.

Getting Troy State University more involved with the United Way was also discussed at the meeting. Kirby said United way always gets a lot of support from TSU, but getting them involved might increase the amount donated.

Buddy Starling, Board member, suggested getting the fraternities and sororities involved.

"The Greeks have a least one philanthropy each semester," Starling said. ‘If we can appeal to the Greeks, and get put on the philanthropy list they might be willing to help."

Starling and Dennis Smith are planning to meet with the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council and introduce the idea to them and invite them to a board meeting.

Kirby said he hopes the 2000 Campaign is wrapped up sometime next month, but it is not to late to make donations. Anyone who wishes to make a one time donation is encouraged to do so. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to the Pike County United Way, P.O. Box 204, Troy, AL 36081.

Agencies served by the Pike County United Way are: Boy Scouts of America, Girls Scouts, Red Cross, 4-H, Salvation Army, East Central Mental Health, the House of Ruth, RSVP, the Troy Charity League, the Pike County Christmas Program and Easter Seals, YMCA and the J.O. "Tip" Colley Senior Complex. the YMCA and Senior Complex are new this year to the 2000 Campaign.