SHARON United Way campaign is falling short so far

The campaign chairman isn't bothered by the totals, saying most of the pledges will come in on 'Blitz Day.'
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- The United Way of Mercer County's fall campaign is more than half over but has reached only 14 percent of its goal so far.
The United Way changed its campaign style this year, launching what it said would be an intensive fund drive Sept. 1 that would run only seven weeks, as compared to recent campaigns that have extended as long as six months.
Although this year's drive is slated to end in just three weeks, Steve Gurgovits, campaign chairman, wasn't dismayed by reports showing that only $153,215 in pledges, toward a goal of $1.1 million, had been received as of Friday.
"Early results indicate that we are steadily advancing toward our goal," he said.
Gurgovits said most of the pledge numbers probably won't be presented to the United Way until Oct. 19, the final day of the campaign.
It's been designated as Blitz Day and will feature a telethon-style approach with business, corporate and other donors bringing their pledge totals to a central point -- a tent in the parking lot of Hermitage Square Plaza -- where live radio broadcasts will give out the totals as they change, Gurgovits said.
Program emphasis: The United Way continues to emphasize the "Buck a Week" program aimed at first-time givers and is also encouraging past contributors to consider giving an additional dollar per week to the campaign.
The United Way serves 25 human service agencies and 99 cents of every dollar collected stays here, Gurgovits said.