VERO BEACH — The United Way is hoping for more than a few high rollers to help them meet this year’s ambitious $2.525 million campaign goal. The notable number was announced Friday evening at a dual purpose Casino Royale kickoff and fundraiser at the Bent Pine Golf Club.
“The goal is pretty simple tonight as we celebrate the start of our campaign year,” said Michael Kint, United Way CEO. “Enjoy good food, good friends, and raise lots of money for the United Way.”
He thanked architect and philanthropist Tony Donadio, who once again sponsored the event in honor of his late wife Margo, before turning the microphone over to 2012-13 campaign co-chairs Bob Brunjes, publisher of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, and Amy Brunjes, External Affairs Manager at Florida Power and Light.
“I’ve met so many people in this community who are living to give, not to get,” said Bob Brunjes.
“There are so many people involved,” added Amy Brunjes. “It doesn’t happen by itself.”
The couple took turns recognizing board and staff members, partner agencies, cabinet volunteers, campaign sponsors, torchbearer businesses, and loaned executives.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Amy Brunjes.
Before announcing the goal, Bob Brunjes warned, “It’s not a lay-down; it’s not a gimmie. The teams have set an aggressive goal.”
In keeping with the casino theme, supporters lined up holding oversized playing cards, which were flipped over to reveal the aspiring $2,525,000 goal.
After the brief program, guests grazed at the extensive buffet and utilized the $2,000 in funny money they were given, trying their hands at numerous gaming tables and slot machines, and later turning their winnings into chances for donated prizes.
Chris Loftus, who co-chaired last year’s campaign with husband Don, said the biggest challenge is, “Getting people to understand the breath of United Way services.”
The 2011-12 campaign raised more than $2.4 million – slightly less than its $2.5 million goal, an amount not matched since the 2007-08 campaign co-chaired by Bob Schlitt and Susan Chenault.
“My whole thing is, instead of having five coffees at Starbucks or Panera’s each week, give the cost of one of those coffees each week to United Way,” said Loftus. “Or give $1 a week; that’s just $52. It’s hard to get that message across, but if we can help even one person, everyone benefits. It’s a trickle-down effect.”
Margaret Ostman, United Way marketing director was optimistic that the goal could be met saying, “We’ve raised almost 34 percent of that amount already, through torchbearers and early workplace campaigns.”
Publix has already completed its campaign – employees exceeded their goal and raised $206,000, besting last year’s campaign by $45,000.
“We’re seeing a really good mood with people in the workplace campaigns this year,” said Nancy McCurry, United Way campaign director.
“This is a great and giving community,” said Kint. “It just never lets you down.”
