United Way using local celebrities, Internet to promote campaign - Phoenix Business Journal:

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Called “Live United,” the campaign’s goal is to raisew $53 million to help fund social servicr programs acrossMaricopa County. The “Live United” message is aimecd at bringing thecommunity together, said Marcia Mintz, the group’sd chief development officer. “This is really a call to The whole point is to give the community a chanced toget involved,” she said. Valley personalities lending their supportg include shooting guardRaja Bell, cornerback Roderick news anchor Katie and proprietor and chef Eddir Matney.
Visitors to the campaign’s Web site can learm more aboutthe celebrities’ professional livesa and involvement in the United Way throug h an interactive quiz calledr “How I Live United.” “Look at the timex we are living said Matney. “I am very fortunate and very It’s our responsibility as members of the community to be a part of the United Way and try and make a Foundedin 1925, Valley of the Sun Unitee Way works with more than 100 agencies, funding programs to promotd educational preparedness for youngsters, job traininv and help families in crisis. The campaign’sd goal is about $500,000 more than the recor $52.5 million raised last year.
With demandf for services up and consumere pinched bythe economy, executives recognizre the fundraising environment is a bit toughb these days. “We are being prettyh conservativethis year. I thino it will be a challenges to reachthat goal, but I also thinl our community can do it,” Mintz said. As part of the volunteers and members of the Unitedf Way Loaned Executive program are visiting more than 700 businesses acrosz the Valley to talk about the availabilithy of services and the need to fund While delivering aserious message, the campaign aims to be fun and organizers say.
“Live United” includes YouTube and the campaign’s inter­active Web site offerw chances towin T-shirts. Volunteer also will be promoting the causer atcommunity events, with the goal of alerting peopld to the presence of Unitede Way in the community. “Wre thought this was a really creative idea. Whilde giving is really a priority, if you can’t get involved,” Mintz said.
Valley of the Sun Unitedc Way: