United Way of Martin County announced an aggressive goal of $2.225 million for the 2005-06 fund-raising campaign.

Margot Graff, the volunteer chairwoman for this year’s campaign, made the announcement during the Oct. 12 luncheon of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce. United Way sponsored the event in order to kick off the campaign among the business community.

“In order to meet the needs of the community, we need the help of ‘only everyone,’” Ms. Graff said.

Some businesses have already begun their campaigns, and are showing success. That trend will need to continue throughout the year for United Way to achieve the $2.25 million goal, and it will need new businesses and individuals to jump on board.

The local United Way has large challenges to overcome -- especially in view of the departure of major corporate champions in Vought Aircraft Industries and Zachry Construction and the absence of hurricane relief designations for Martin County agencies.

However, instead of dwelling on the obstacles, United Way focused on the unmet needs of people in the community. “The citizen volunteers who reviewed this year’s requests for United Way funds determined that nearly $377,000 more was needed to help people on waiting lists, ensuring that vital programs and services are available to everyone in need,” said Jim Vojcsik, executive director of United Way of Martin County.

During the luncheon, Ms. Graff, an assistant vice president/business development officer at Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust, offered an example of how a United Way program helped her and her family.

“When I joined the United Way of Martin County five years ago as a volunteer, it never occurred to me that I would need any of the programs supported by United Way,” she said. “I thought the programs were in place for ‘other’ people. Then my mother developed Alzheimer’s disease, and we turned to Alzheimer’s Community Care for help.

“The truth is that each and every one of us — at one time or another in our lives — may need services supported by United Way,” Graff said.

Because one of United Way’s activities this month is a Book Harvest, the Cat in the Hat also was on hand to deliver some words of inspiration. Here’s a sample.

"The people of Martin always give from the heart,
Kick off your campaign, today we will start!"
Your goal of 2 million and two twenty-five
Will stay in our county and help people thrive!"

During the 2004-05 campaign, the campaign goal was set at $2.09 million, and United Way of Martin County raised $2.15 million.

More information about United Way of Martin County is available at www.unitedwaymartincounty.org or by calling (772) 283-4800.