2010-11 Campaign Chair Message

Lake County is great place to live, work, and to raise families. Yet the economic recession is forcing people who never dreamed of needing help to turn to United Way supported services. Safety net resources are stretched to their limits.

This year, United Way agencies are reporting that requests for assistance are skyrocketing. Many people are hurting. According to the United Way funded 2-1-1 helpline, we have seen a:

77 percent increase in unemployment assistance requests
58 percent jump in people seeking food assistance
47 percent rise in families seeking foreclosure prevention counseling
32 percent spike in rent assistance calls

Fortunately 100 percent of your United Way donation stays here. That's why your support in this year's campaign is so critical. Your financial contribution is needed now more than ever.

The good news is that, thanks to a special matching gift challenge made possible by the Lilly Endowment, all new and increased gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar. This is a great opportunity for you to stretch and multiply the impact of your gift in our community.

Living united means creating opportunities for a better life for all. Together with your gift, we can accomplish more than any single person or organization can ever do alone.

I invite you to join us. Together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better today and tomorrow. Be a Community Hero. Please give today.

Thank you!

Ray Kasmark

Business Manager

IBEW #697

2010-11 United Way Campaign Chair