City/County United Way Kickoff - Chairman's Challenge

When we use both hands in this United Way effort we are giving our all to lift up people in need. This type of commitment ensures that as a community we don't drop the ball when it comes to helping our neighbors in need.

Many of the programs and services that are provided by the 43 agencies that the United Way supports can literally save lives. CPR training and disaster relief programs are among the many ways the United Way can enter the lives of those in need.

This year's United Way goal is $5 million.

This may sound like a tall order. But it's really quite realistic when you look at this community's track record.

The Leon County/City of Tallahassee theme for this year is

"Local Government Working Together for Our All-America City"

The Tallahassee/Leon County area is now the fasting growing area in terms of contributions of any mid-size city in the United States. United Way contributions in this area have increased 52% since 1996.

Leon County's track record is especially impressive. In 1998, we raised over $28,000, an 18% increase over 1997. In 1997, we really outdid ourselves. County employees that year raised over $24,000, which was a 40% increase in dollars raised from the year before.

Our goal for this year is $31,220, which represents a 10% increase in donations over 1998. I know we can meet and even exceed this goal if we think about the impact of our contributions.

I know that if it means helping someone in need, many of us do not necessarily need a material incentive to inspire us to give. But just like last year we want to make this fun. We want to get everybody involved in having a good time with this.

That's why this year, in addition to the dinner for two at Chez Pierre, and the TDC goody bags, and other raffles and incentives, Leon County has joined together with the City of Tallahassee to kick off our respective United Way campaigns in a big way, with today's events.

I am glad you all came out today, and hope you enjoy the fun and the food. We have a dunking booth to allow you the opportunity to dunk the official of your choice. And the event I'm looking forward to is the tug-o-war.

I would like to take this opportunity to issue my challenge to the City of Tallahassee. The Mayor and I have been engaged on a few occasions in a tug of war some issues, and I'm glad to be given an opportunity at a real life tug-o-war that I intend to win.

Leon County intends to bring that trophy back over to the Courthouse ladies and gentlemen. And I want you to know that we are prepared to win. And to make sure I'd like take this opportunity to introduce you to my representative.

(Have Wilbur Footman (Public Works) to stand up or come forward.)

Don't you all agree that with Wilbur's help we will bring that trophy back to Leon County?

With this much activity, as well as other events that will be going on I know that Leon County will get to and exceed our goal of $31,000.

We just want to have a good time with this, and we want to keep on doing great things for our community. This is something I am proud that we as a City and County do very well. Let's get going and kick off our most successful United Way Campaign ever.