United Way closer to goal as campaign closes

The 2010 Live United Campaign for the United Way of Leeds and Grenville officially ended with a High Tea held at the Wedgewood Retirement Centre last Friday afternoon. Hosted by Senator Bob Runciman and wife, Jeanette, (seen above with attendees, from left to right, Phylis Brown, Harry Kirkby and Norma Buell) the event was well attended, raising more than $700 for the United Way, towards their $965,000 target this campaign. As of Monday, December 6th, $795,388.24 or 82.46% of their goal has been reached, with ‘money still coming in’, said the organization’s Executive Director, Judi Baril. Though Baril and campaign co-chairman, Shawn Souder expressed some concern with the organization’s communication strategy this campaign, both expressed extreme gratitude towards all of their supporters, staff and 27 member agencies. “I’m proud to say that there is a strong level of commitment in this community,” said Baril. “We haven’t reached our goal yet, but at the end of the day, we’re $169,612, closer to our goal, you have to appreciate that.”