The 2003 fundraising campaign of United Way of Butler County can be judged a success, despite ending $150,000 short of its $1.4 million goal. That's because the campaign not only exceeded last year's pledges by $139,000, but put in place a foundation for achieving greater success for this year's campaign, which gets under way in the fall.

At United Way's annual breakfast Tuesday, campaign leaders discussed the new and invigorated strategies employed for 2003 that will be used again - and, in some cases, expanded - for 2004.

The 2004 campaign will also feature a continuity factor, thanks to the generous decision of Ann Baglier, the 2003 chairwoman, to give of her time to serve in that position for the next campaign.

The 2003 campaign made significant inroads at tapping resources that in the past eluded the local united giving effort. More emphasis was placed on obtaining the campaign pledges made by Butler County residents who work in other counties. In addition, there was a stepped-up emphasis on contacting companies based elsewhere that have stores or branches in this county.

United Way's positive work also spread amid the organized-labor front, thanks, in part, to the addition of a labor liaison. The result was almost $30,000 in new contributions from labor unions.

Just like the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon in September achieves its success in part due to money raised by companies at other times of the year through projects and special programs, United Way of Butler County is poised to become the beneficiary of a similar approach launched by the Labor Council of Butler County.

The labor council has started raising money for the upcoming campaign through a motorcycle raffle. There are other organizations within the county capable of such an extended, ongoing fund-raising mission between now and next year's United Way breakfast.

Meanwhile, United Way benefited during the just-completed campaign from the hard work of member-agency teams that, via telephone calls and personal visits, produced contributions from more than 35 businesses, organizations and individuals who had never contributed to a United Way campaign before. The "new-money" tally from that effort was more than $70,000 - representing more than half of the additional $139,000 raised in 2003 over what was tallied by the 2002 campaign.

But amid all of the new and more aggressive strategies, United Way in 2003 didn't discard the time-tested approach that guided previous campaigns - providing an honest explanation of how much good emanates from the money raised.

"We simply explained to them (potential contributors) exactly how their money is invested in this community and what an impact it has on our lives," said Leslie Osche, United Way executive director.

With 48 workplace campaigns recording increased donations in 2003, that also is a source of hope for 2004. But United Way's ability to stay focused and energized will be the foremost keys to unlocking the funds necessary to adequately fund the 50 nonprofit programs for which United Way currently allocates money.

The just-completed campaign can be regarded as having been a new venture - and adventure - for United Way because of the new and revised strategies that were employed. With the successes that 2003 produced, next year's campaign can be even more exciting, resulting in achievements even more substantial than those realized over the past few months.

Tuesday's breakfast, a conclusion to last year's campaign, was also a beginning because United Way can never rest from its commitments and obligations to those in need whom it serves.

- J.R.K.