Published: December 31, 2008 08:36 am      

United Way surpasses campaign goal for 2008

The United Way’s 2008 campaign exceeded its goal on Dec. 23, raising more that $388,000 for the 22 agencies and programs supported in Johnson County.

“The credit goes to all the citizens of the Johnson County communities who generously donated to help provide the valuable social and human services needed,” said Jill Leach, 2008 campaign chairman. “That we exceeded our goal this year is a reflection of the generosity of Johnson County and the hard work of our many campaign volunteers,” stated Leach.

More than one division within the business and industry group went over the 100 percent mark, including the metropolitan division, chaired by J.J. Ford, which raised $21,125, which was 111 percent of its goal. 

The enterprise division, chaired by Jamie Dugger, reported in at $5,650, or 141 percent of its goal. 

The oil and gas division, led by Tim Whitlock and Jerry Cash came in with $116,715, which is 180 percent of its goal.

In the public and professional group, the education division, chaired by Steve Madson, John Grigsby and Lisa Magers, finished at 74 percent of its goal, raising $24,529. Students of Johnson County elementary and middle schools raised $4,030 in the “Pennies for People” campaign.

City employees from Burleson and Cleburne exceeded their goal with contributions of $29,465, 147 percent of their goal. Bonita Hall and Sallie Watson were campaign chairmen for the city of Cleburne, and Deidre Hall was campaign chairman for the city of Burleson campaign.

“Every division within the campaign unit reflected positive results,” said Bob King, 2008 president. “We want to congratulate Jill Leach, who did an outstanding job as campaign chairman.

“We also commend the division chairmen, who really got out there and worked. We appreciate their dedication and support throughout this campaign.”

Since 2001 more than $2.7 million in United Way funding has been allocated to agencies providing services.

The 22 agencies funded by United Way of Johnson County for 2009 are Alvarado Helping Hands, American Red Cross, Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Sweeney Camp for Diabetic Children, Tesuya Council of Camp Fire USA, Cancer Care Services, CASA of Johnson County, Child Study Center, Christmas in Action, Children’s Advocacy Center, Community Partners of Johnson County, East Cleburne Community Center,  Johnson County Family Crisis Center, Girl Scouts-Texas Oklahoma Plains, Trinity Habitat for Humanity, BMAA Harvest House, HOPE Medical/Dental Clinic, Johnson County 4-H Clubs, Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, Operation Blessing of Johnson County, Reading and Radio Resource and the Cleburne Service Center of the Salvation Army.