FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2000
Contact: Diane Thomas
(714) 834-6203
County Employees
Kick-Off United Way Campaign
(Santa Ana) –
The County of Orange will kick-off its 2000 United
Way Campaign with a rally from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
on October 4 at Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana Boulevard
and Broadway in Santa Ana. Featured festivities are the
annual department-head "putt-off," an opportunity
drawing, live music, and abundant food.
Leading the County's campaign are District Attorney Tony
Rackauckas, chairman, and Auditor-Controller David Sundstrom,
vice chairman.
County employees support the United Way through proceeds
from the annual kick-off on the plaza, sales/activities
throughout the campaign period and payroll deductions.
The campaign's first activity, the annual leadership breakfast,
was hosted this week by The Clubhouse at South Coast Plaza.
"Because of The Clubhouse's generosity, County leaders
who attended the event paid only sales tax," said
Board Chairman Charles V. Smith. "The rest of the
ticket price benefits the County's United Way Campaign.
This kind of contribution by The Clubhouse sets the pace
for a highly successful campaign."
Last year, 38 percent of the County's employees raised
nearly $700,000, an improvement of more than $40,000 from
the previous year. The contributions support approximately
100 local service agencies sponsored by the Orange County
United Way. This year's goal is a five percent increase
in both the number of participants and the amount of money
raised.
The County is the recipient of the Community Cornerstone
award, given annually by the Orange County United Way
for outstanding community service. This year's campaign
runs September 25 through October 27.
Currently, County employees constitute the number one
"independent" organization (no corporate matching)
contributing to the United Way. Overall, the County ranks
fifth in total contributions. Fluor Corporation, Bank
of America, Automobile Club of Southern California and
Edison International are the top four.
Legal