United Way of Martin County kicked off its annual fundraising campaign to an enthusiastic crowd Oct. 3 at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart.The luncheon program opened at noon with Martin Memorial Health Systems Vice President Miguel Coty announcing an official fundraising goal of $2.7 million for this year's United Way campaign in MartinCounty.
"The bottom line is that, based on input from our affiliated agencies, we estimate the need in our community for the coming year will be $500,000 more in requests than last year," Coty said.
Campaign volunteers and affiliated agencies were recognized with a PowerPoint presentation during the event. Coty characterized the current economic climate as a "perfect storm" of conditions in which help is needed now more than ever.
The event concluded with comments from Florida Atlantic University President and former Superintendent of Schools in Martin County Frank Brogan. He introduced the new LIVE UNITED concept that focuses on the building blocks for a good life - a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health.
More information is available at
www.unitedwaymartincounty.org or by calling (772) 283-4800.