DAPHNE, Ala.—Gov. Bob Riley will be the keynote speaker at the United Way of Baldwin County’s campaign kick-off set for 11:30 a.m. Sept. 1 at the Daphne Civic Center. This year’s campaign—themed “Live United”—has the goal of reaching $1.1 million in donations, an increase from last year’s goal of $1 million.

“With the economic downturn, there is growing pressure for charitable donations,” Rebecca Byrne, United Way of Baldwin County executive director said. “We would very much like to reach out to individuals who have not participated in previous campaigns.

“This is an opportunity to improve the lives of all residents of Baldwin County.”

Donations to the agency remain in the county and are distributed to area non-profit organizations, she said.

During the campaign—which lasts through November—agencies receive their funding monthly. The campaign will try to keep that funding from decreasing as the economy negatively impacts donation totals.

“There are United Ways across the country which are not making their projected campaign goals,” Byrne said. “Locally, we are anticipating that some of our present companies and organizations, which have been faithful United Way campaign participants, will be cutting back on their corporate and individual-employee giving.”

Campaign co-chairperson Abby Hamilton echoed Byrne’s sentiments.

“We know the status that we’re in economically,” Hamilton said. “But that has increased the need from our communities.”

Byrne said that partner agencies’ directors are seeing an increase of those seeking assistance, adding that many individuals have sought help for the first time.

“We’re actually seeing people come to us that have originally been givers to United Way,” Hamilton said.

The “Live United” theme, organizers said, speaks to advancing “goals for the common good,” such as: reducing Baldwin County’s high school drop out rate, promoting financial independence and improving the health of individuals in the community.

The agency has conducted extensive research to identify new businesses in the county, “particularly those with 25 or more employees, which have not been involved in our United Way campaign,” Byrne said.

United Way’s volunteer board of directors, along with staffers, will call on each company and make a personal visit to their site. This effort is in addition to calling on businesses and organizations that are currently participating.

Once a year, agencies come before the board of directors, present plans for their programs and request funding, according to Byrne.

“The board then determines how much will be allocated to each partner agency,” she said.

“Following the allocation hearings, the board announces our campaign goal at our kick-off luncheon in September.”

To support the campaign’s theme, the kick-off luncheon will feature Baldwin County public school choral students, a flag presentation from Boy Scout Troop 47 and an invocation and testimonial from two brothers who have been significantly impacted by the agency’s efforts.

The United Way of Baldwin County supports agencies such as: the North and South Baldwin Literary Councils; The Lighthouse; The Shoulder; the Salvation Army; the Drug Education Council; the Eastern Shore Literary Council; Ecumenical Ministries; and the YMCA of South Alabama.

The luncheon is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. Reservations are required by Wednesday. For more info or to reserve a space, call the United Way of Baldwin County office at 943-2110 or email info@unitedway-bc.org.