Bob Stephens and Luanne Ruddell, campaign co-chairs, recently kicked off the 2009 campaign for the United Way of Garrett County. 

“Several area businesses, organizations and individuals are ‘setting the pace’ by making their pledge early to the campaign,” Stephens said.  “The pace setters were successful in raising $61,610 of United Way’s $110,000 campaign goal.

Those early supporters are Clear Mountain Bank, ClosetMaid, Deep Creek Dock Works, Design Build International, Devlin Inc., Donald and Patti Battista, Edward M. Kilkeary, Fechheimer Brothers Company, First United Bank & Trust, Garrett Automotive, Garrett Container Systems, Garrett County Community Action, Howard and Corinne Bell, and Jeffrey S. Reitz.

Also making early contributions were John and Gloria MacGowan, John M. Ward, Kim Hamilton, L. Jean Layton, Leora Sachs and David Buck, Loch Lynn Service Center, M&T Bank, Mildred R. Shilke, Mountaineer Log & Siding Company, Nationwide Insurance Corporation, NewPage Corporation, Offutt Johnson, Paul F. Kelley, Phenix Technologies, Ralph A. Kemp, Robert and Linda Stephens, Rotary Club of Grantsville, Rotary Club of Oakland, Total Biz Fulfillment, United Parcel Service, Western Maryland Health Systems, and Bill Riley.

The United Way of Garrett County is asking for additional funds from individuals and businesses to help meet its $110,000 goal.

“When there are so many facing uncertain futures and economic challenges, you can be sure that each dollar donated is stretched to its fullest capacity,” Stephens said.  “United Way of Garrett County’s community partners work hard to eliminate the obstacles that keep our friends, families and neighbors from leading fulfilling lives in our community.  They are there for all of us to make Garrett County a stronger, healthier place to live.”

For more information on the United Way of Garrett County, persons may call toll free at 1-877-597-2700.

Checks for the 2009 campaign may be mailed to United Way of Garrett County, P.O. Box 394, Oakland, MD 21550.