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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now United Way of Central Indiana CEO Ellen Annala is thankful for the $38.8 million in pledges to its annual campaign, although
it didn’t quite reach its $40 million fund-raising goal.
"I’ve been through recessions where we slipped back $1 million,"
Annala said.
She said she knew the fund-raising goal announced last fall was ambitious. Corporations canceled gifts, and throughout
the campaign, United Way adjusted its tally to account for employee pledges that won’t be coming through because of layoffs.
The $38.8 million represents 99 percent of the amount raised last year: $39 million. Annala said fund raising could have fallen
back much further. "We’re really happy we didn’t lose the gains."
United Way benefited from 140 first-time workplace campaigns. Annala said those companies and employees who are surviving
the recession were generous this year. "It’s really because the ones who could, did."
United Way recently recognized 12 top
fund-raisers, as well as four recipients of a new award, "Spirit United."
The award is for companies that support United Way
through various means: a high portion of employees contributing money, volunteerism and leadership.
The first recipients of
the Spirit United award are Citizens Energy Group, Eli Lilly and Co., RJE Business Interiors and Walker Information.
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