United Way of Martin County raised the most funds in its 39-year history during its 2011-12 campaign.

 

This year’s campaign co-chairs from Seacoast National Bank, Jean Strickland, Tom Wilkinson and Denise Ehrich, challenged the community to help United Way touch 95,000 lives in Martin County by raising $2.32 million.

 

Local businesses and individuals responded by not only helping United Way reach its goal, but exceeded it by raising $2,385,000 – enough to touch 106,000 lives in Martin County through programs that provide everything from early learning opportunities for at risk children to stocking shelves at local food pantries to Alzheimer’s caregiver support.

 

"This year’s successful campaign gave us the opportunity to distribute almost 8 percent more than we did last year and the extra funds also allowed us to fund two brand new programs,” said Jim Vojcsik, executive director at United Way of Martin County.

 

"The support we received from local businesses and individuals during the campaign was outstanding and they can rest assured knowing that their generous contributions will go towards making a positive impact in the lives of Martin County residents.”

 

United Way recruited 75 volunteers to serve on citizen review panels that reviewed 46 grant requests totaling more than $1.37 million. The citizen review panel chairs then presented their recommendations to the United Way Board who approved $1,077,681 in Community Impact funding and $642,047 in donor designations for a total distribution of $1,719,728.

 

United Way of Martin County’s board of directors set aside $100,000 for unfulfilled pledges and allocated 14.8 percent for fundraising and administrative expenses, with the campaign balance being used to support research, planning and the community initiatives such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Community Health Collaborative.

 

2010-11 Campaign Allocations

Education – $351,085 – Quality child care and after-school programs; mentoring and youth development; community mobilization efforts to reduce youth substance abuse, gang violence and other high-risk behaviors; successful transition from high-school to the working world

 

Income – $238,791 – Support for individuals and families in crisis with assistance for food, rent, utilities, prescriptions and clothing; help the elderly and disabled maintain maximum independence and provide respite service for caregivers

 

Health – $265,248 – Access to health care services for the uninsured

 

Community Initiatives and United Way programs – $222,557 – Community Health Collaborative, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, 2-1-1 Treasure Coast, American Red Cross, Martin Volunteers and CHARACTER COUNTS!

 

Donor Designations – $642,047 – Donations that are earmarked to specific charitable organizations including United Way agencies, non-affiliated agencies and other local United Ways

 

Total Distribution – $1,719,728