The United Way of Greater Rochester has set its goal for this year's campaign; It is $24 million, which is a little less than the $25.5 million raised last year.
Campaign chairs Lauren Dixon and Mike Schwabl, who own the Dixon Schwabl marketing and communications company, say the goal is lower than last year partly because of changes in the local economy. With some of the larger firms cutting back over the years, there isn't the same base of potential donors.
But both campaign chairs and local United Way President Peter Carpino believe that this year's $24 million goal is a realistic one. Among the areas helped by the United Way dollars are after-school and mentoring programs, food pantries, programs for seniors and help for new mothers.
The $24 million goal encompasses goals set by the United Way's regional partners in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming Counties.
