United Way of Martin County gives high marks to the creative thinking demonstrated by the campaign leadership in the Martin County School District.

The campaign coordinator for the district was Steve Weil, executive director of educational technology. He and his planning team of Pat Cook and Tiffany Gumiela led the district to a healthy United Way campaign that raised $49,017 -- a 5.6% increase over last year.

Special incentives and new strategies -- such as a “Penny War” among schools and special recognition lunches -- inspired district employees’ support of United Way.

Special award winners include:

• Largest percentage of increase over last year: Indiantown Adult Learning Center.

• Most new money raised and most donors: Instructional Center.

• Champion of the Penny Wars: Bessey Creek Elementary School.

• Highest increase in participation over last year: Crystal Lake Elementary School.

Bob Fishbein, a guidance counselor at Anderson Middle School, also helped United Way of Martin County by serving as a loaned executive and assisting with campaigns at other workplaces.

In its overall campaign, United Way of Martin County has reached about 80 percent of its goal of $2.3 million. The drive culminates with the annual Champions of the Community awards dinner on March 27 at Hutchinson Island Marriott.

Meeting – and exceeding – the campaign goal is more important than ever. With people facing rising costs and unemployment, requests for emergency assistance are outpacing available resources. United Way agencies report that requests for food assistance are up 44% over last year, financial assistance by 38% and clothing by 20%.

If you would like to donate or get your company involved in a workplace giving campaign, please call Lucy Corley at (772) 283-4800, ext. 222.

More information about United Way of Martin County is available at www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.