DAPHNE, Ala. - United Way of Baldwin County announced a $925,000 goal at its annual Campaign Kickoff Luncheon Thursday. The goal represents a $25,000 increase over last year, which reflects a greater amount of need in the community, according to Chairman Leon Hill.

“The economy has maybe gotten a little better but we still have a lot of people with needs,” Hill told an audience of around 400 people.

Executive Director Rebecca Byrne said that 20 percent of that goal has already been reached because of a pacesetter campaign funded by early grants, but she hopes it won’t lead to complacency.

“Baldwin County is wonderful about taking care of its neighbors in need, but people’s needs have not diminished,” Byrne said. “Charitable giving to United Way is a tradition for many businesses and schools in this area but we are always recruiting new donors.”

United Way partners with 38 agencies in and around Baldwin County, not just providing for people in need but also funding programs for youth development and leadership skills.

Amy Johnson, a sophomore at Gulf Shores High School and the face of this year’s campaign, spoke about the Jennifer Clare Moore Foundation’s Peer Helper program, which is partially funded by United Way. Relocating from Utah in April 2010, Johnson said the people and environment were completely different, and there was a lot of apprehension about the oil spill.

“The Peer Helper program was great because it helped me get introduced to new people and involved with the community. It teaches you different skills that you can use throughout your life, including empathy, stress management, suicide prevention and divorce.”

The guest speaker of the luncheon was Quentin Riggins, who serves as the sideline reporter for the Auburn ISP Sports Network and was recently named Vice President of Governmental Relations for Alabama Power. After an anecdote about last year’s Iron Bowl and predictions regarding this football season (Riggins said Alabama and LSU were both strong contenders for the SEC title), Riggins spoke about the importance of United Way in Baldwin County.

“I’m a big believer of getting involved in the community by getting off the sideline and getting into the game,” Riggins said. “It’s a great goal of $925,000 to go for and a lot of worthy organizations that need you. If we want strong communities and a strong, vibrant state, we have to get into the game.”