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The United Way of Collier County recently sounded the air horns to start its annual Walk for the Way.

And the public responded. Attendance at the September 27 event exceeded 1,200 people, and funds raised went beyond the $20,000 predicted. The event officially kicked off the agency’s annual campaign, which includes several initiatives in an effort to reach a $2.2 million goal by March 31, 2009.

“This is a great start for the campaign,” said Ernie Bretzmann, executive director of Collier County’s United Way chapter. “The demand for services from our agencies has increased 40 percent, and the walk’s success encourages us despite the current economic crisis.”

Bretzmann said the agency’s staff and board have been working overtime to make sure its partners stay well funded during difficult times.

The United Way of Collier County provides annual funding to a select group of local charities that provide direct health and human services to residents in need. These unique and diverse agencies deliver help to more than 100,000 people each year. Currently, the United Way of Collier County’s roster includes 32 local agencies that supply food, shelter, family support and education, temporary financial assistance for rent, medication and utilities, healthcare, legal assistance and advocacy, and job training and placement.

By giving approximately 85 cents of every dollar raised to its partner agencies, the United Way of Collier County helps to reduce fund-raising costs so that each agency can spend less time fund raising and more time providing direct services to those in need. The United Way also controls its own costs by mobilizing volunteers to ensure its partners receive the maximum amount possible. A 36-member volunteer board and over 100 local citizens donate their time each year to the United Way’s mission.

The United Way of Collier County works to improve the community as a whole, rather than just supporting a single cause. Money raised through the annual campaign stays in the community. In fact, the fund distribution process is based on several criteria, starting with a careful assessment of the community’s needs. Once areas of greatest concern are identified, the agency selects charitable organizations that have proven methods of addressing the challenges.

All partner agencies go through an annual budget review and attend bi-monthly meetings to report their developments. This provides a level of accountability and safeguards all donor contributions. Most agencies experience increased fund raising success as a result of their involvement with United Way.

The United Way of Collier County is where people of the community come together in the spirit of teamwork and volunteer leadership in an effort to share the responsibility to care for one another.

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This series of stories on agencies funded by the United Way was provided by the organization. For information, call (239) 261-7112 or visit www.unitedwayofcolliercounty.org.