United Way raises $1.48M for 28 programs
BUTLER TWP — The United Way of Butler County this morning announced it’s 2012-13 campaign raised $1.48 million — a healthy tally, but a $200,000 shortfall from its projected $1.68 million goal.
Leslie Osche, United Way’s executive director, stressed that in these difficult financial times “$1.48 million is nothing to be sad about ... we’re pleased with that number, but we know we can do better.”
Osche said fundraising efforts will step up in the upcoming year, and the goal will be about $1.6 million.
However, for the upcoming fiscal year, some of the 28 programs funded through the United Way will see cuts from the money they received last year.
Osche addressed some of these topics while speaking to members at the 80th annual United Way meeting and breakfast in Founders Hall at Butler County Community College.
Last year, the organization celebrated after raising an all-time high of $1.7 million, which surpassed the agency’s goal of a $200,000 increase from the year before $1.5 million.
Osche said organizers knew last year that some of the money donated might not be available in the future. Additionally, Osche said there was a loss of a “significant gift” from a corporate sponsor.
