United Way serves up $50 million 2003 Campaign goal along with flapjacks and fun

(Cleveland, Ohio) September 4, 2003
Amid pancake breakfasts and an atmosphere of enthusiasm at the 2003 Campaign Kick-off and Pancake Flip on Public Square, 2003 Campaign Chairman Alexander M. "Sandy" Cutler today announced this year's $50 Million United Way campaign goal. In calling for the nearly 12.6 percent increase over last year's total, Cutler outlined an improved economic outlook and a strong and early start to this year's campaign. Cutler, chairman and chief executive officer of the Eaton Corporation, explained his "Five Fives," a progression of goals and underlying initiatives leading to the 2003 challenges:

• Five percent increase in employee participation
• Fifteen percent increase in Leadership Circle participation at $1,000 and above
• Fifty percent increase in Pacesetters early campaigns
• 500 new campaigns
• The $50 Million goal.

More than 1,000 breakfasters and pancake makers from the media, corporate and civic sectors joined other friends of United Way Services to share in Cutler's optimism as he conveyed "early wins" and thanked his "outstanding Campaign Cabinet volunteers for their on-going, tireless efforts."

Explaining his promise to "start early and go fast," Cutler detailed increases in the numbers of campaigns and dollars from summer Pacesetter drives, new initiatives including engaging local professional athletes, and Challenge Grants approaching nearly $2 million, five times above last year's totals, to stimulate new and increased giving in targeted markets. Challenge grantors include Eaton, Forest City Enterprises, Inc., KeyBank, Medical Mutual of Ohio, National City Bank, University Hospitals Health System and two anonymous gifts. Pacesetter early campaigns kicked off in June with 159 participants and a projected card value of $8 Million upon completion of their campaigns, representing a 150% increase over last year's Pacesetter total.

Viewing the ambitious campaign as yet another sign of faith in the city by Greater Clevelanders, Cutler explained how strengthening local health and human services was essential and a part of the positive momentum demonstrated by recent "reasons to celebrate." Among the reasons noted were the passage of levies to rebuild the Cleveland Municipal School District and to improve Cuyahoga County's health and human service delivery and the latest airport expansion to secure a more competitive edge for the area.

"United Way's safety net of care is one of the essential elements in this community's very foundation, and it is central to this community's quality of life," said Cutler . He also cited recent accomplishments in long-term community impact work with the public-private partnership of the Community Vision Council, initiated by United Way. The work is putting Cleveland in a national spotlight for creative and important community building, he explained, because of the leadership of United Way.

In addition to recognizing United Way's convener role in the Community Vision Council, he pointed out United Way's sound fiscal management and volunteer allocation process that invests more than 88 cents of every dollar in people and service delivery. He explained the value in donating to Community-Wide Needs unrestricted fund, encouraging donors to realize the expertise of trained volunteers carefully investing in programs that have measurable output and support the overall goals of the Vision Council.

Cutler also noted media reports that attest to United Way being one of the most efficient charities in the country, according to the Charity Navigator, and acknowledge the many local safeguards in the local investment process, according to an in-depth investigation by The Plain Dealer.