The United Way of Greater Rochester has set a 2014 fundraising goal of $25.5 million. That is a little less than the $26 million goal set for last year's campaign.
Last year the campaign raised about $26.6 million.
This year's campaign chair, Dan Burns, an executive with M&T Bank, encouraged all Greater Rochester residents to support the United Way's Community Fund to help those who need it most. He says "United Way is helping new parents avoid abuse, making sure thousands of local people have food and helping kids attend more school and get better grades."
United Way's Community Fund focuses on four key areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Giving Babies the Best Start, Preparing Kids for Success, and Supporting Seniors and Caregivers.
To encourage giving to the Community Fund at all levels this year, United Way is also presenting the M&T Bank and Brighter Days Foundation Community Fund Challenge, which will double any new or increased gift to the Community Fund, up to $175,000.
Broadstone Real Estate has issued the $100,000 Welcome Back Challenge for those who have given in the past but didn’t give last year.
John and Cindy LiDestri will also march any new or increased gifts to United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, up to $50,000, and Sharon Stiller will match new or increased gifts to the organization’s Women’s Leadership Council, up to $10,000.
