An important measure of success for United Way was the amount of dollars raised to kick off the campaign. Hovering around $4,300, the proceeds from the admission fees help launch the campaign, which has a goal of $400,000. Every person who came to the Taste event to visit with friends, sample food and be a Grill-Off spectator, became an instant United Way donor. A sure way to reach the $400,000 goal is to broaden community support for United Way and the activities of its member agencies.
Attracting more than 500 Taste of Lawrence County participants, who contributed to the campaign by just attending, was an effective way to broaden support for this community-wide effort.

The opportunity to tell the United Way story and the stories of United Way agencies to more than 500 people may have an even greater impact than the $4,300 proceeds.

The event also indicated a broad base of volunteer support for United Way and its efforts. No longer is the United Way campaign in the hands of a few. There seemed to be a record number of yellow-shirted United Way volunteers at work at the 4-H fairgrounds Saturday.

Already, United Way campaign volunteers have started to call local businesses and industries to launch this year's fund-raising efforts.

The stage is set for a successful United Way campaign. With new director, Patty Boone, a committed board of directors, campaign chairs and volunteers and hundreds of satisfied Taste of Lawrence County visitors, there should be nothing to stand in the way of success.