Organizers and fundraisers for the Heart of Illinois United Way say state cuts and budget deadlock are motivating them to campaign harder this year.
The organization kicked off its annual fundraising initiative during a breakfast Friday morning.
44 businesses and organizations participated in the summer pace-setter campaign, raising more than $1.3 million. That’s up nearly $200,000 compared to this time last year. 2015 Campaign Co-chair Tana Utley says many nonprofits are counting on United Way support to keep their bottom line:
“Many of the agencies are right now in the reserves of their funding, and they’re not going to be able to continue real long without some resolution of the issues with the state,” Utley said.
The annual campaign is the second largest funder of health and human services, behind the government in the region. Utley says that’s why this year’s fundraising is particularly urgent.
Following the announcement, more than 1,500 volunteers participated in service projects across the area for United Way’s annual Day of Caring. Utley says September 11th is an appropriate reminder for the occasion.
“We’re just kind of a small piece, each of us has a time and an opportunity here on Earth to make a difference, and Do the most with what you’ve got,” Utley said.
The Heart of Illinois United Way supports services in six counties including Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford. It's 2014 campaign raised nearly $11.4 million total by the end of the year.