Wilkes-Barre- On December 15th Robert Schaub, Esq., 1999 General Campaign Chair for the United Way of Wyoming Valley, announced in front of over 250 people that the $4.6 million General Campaign goal had been reached. " I’m so proud to be a part of this community. At times we didn’t think we would get there, but our community really pulled together and we have $4,650,488 to show for it," stated Schaub. This amount eclipses the record setting $4,408,429 raised during last years campaign.

Among the major factors which helped United Way reach its goal, Schaub cited: Leadership Giving, The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and Labor Leadership as having exceptional impact.

The Leadership Giving category ( people who donate $500 or more annually) saw its members increase from 850 last year to nearly 1000 to date this year. Some of the increase in Leadership Giving can be attributed to First Union’s $25,000 Challenge Match Grant for any new $1000 gifts. " A number of people saw this as a great opportunity to make a significant impact in our community. If someone gave a new $1000 gift, that gift would be doubled and I think that attracted many new donors this year," stated Cheryl Connolly, Vice President of Major Gifts at United Way.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society also saw growth in this year’s campaign. The Society, whose members donate $10,000 or more annually, saw its enrollment increase from 32 to 36. "We have a very generous Alexis de Tocqueville Society. "These individuals are dedicated to supporting local organizations in our community that make positive impact on people’s lives," said David Lee, President of the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

The United Way of Wyoming Valley’s Labor Leadership Giving program was also very successful for this year’s campaign. This program, which was part of a new nationwide pilot program, had Local Labor Leaders develop their own Leadership Giving criteria, and present it to local labor forces. This new initiative resulted in approximately 100 union members giving generously at their Labor Leadership level.

The event concluded with the introduction of the 2000 General Campaign Chair, Terry Casey. Casey, who works in Private Asset Management, Mellon Bank, congratulated Schaub and looked towards next year. " Bob has left some pretty big shoes to fill, but I feel confident that once again, we will come out on top. The agencies United Way supports do wonderful work year-round. I’m really looking forward to next year’s campaign. " stated Casey.