County Employees Kick-Off United Way Campaign 

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.