Retrospect: UW hit record goal

United Way of Jay County has been raising money for 60 years.

Its fundraising efforts reached a record high three decades ago.

Thirty years ago today, United Way of Jay County received a check for $225 which put it over its record-setting goal of $100,000.

“I am overwhelmed, really, I think it’s great,” said campaign chairman Darrell Reeves after learning of the final donation that put the pledges past the goal.

When the 1987-88  campaign began in September 1987, Reeves said the $100,000 goal was set based on the needs of the local United Way affiliates. Reeves said the previous year’s goal was too low and easily reached, so he and other directors felt more money was necessary for the next need.

The 1986-87 goal was $80,000 and it was exceeded by more than $6,000.

“I think there’s a lot (of money) that could be had out there if you could reach all the individuals,” Reeves said.

Much of the campaign’s $100,053 — which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics equates to $213,791.70 in 2018 dollars — came from donations by local industries.

United Way of Jay County currently supports 17 local agencies, including Jay-Randolph Development Services, Youth Service Bureau, Salvation Army of Jay County, Jay County Cancer Society and Community & Family Services.

The goal for the 2017-18 campaign is $175,000.