$8.8 Million Drive Launched to Help Children Succeed in School

NEWS from United Way of Central Florida
August 29, 2012
LiveUnited@uwcf.org
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$8.8 Million Drive Launched to Help Children Succeed in School

United Way of Central Florida has kicked off an ambitious $8.8 million fundraising drive to reverse Polk County's 40% rate of children entering school not ready to succeed.

United Way will also use the money to build credit counseling services and other financial self-help programs for Polk families. In the health arena, spending is planned to help individuals reduce weight, control blood pressure and reverse dangerous sugar levels that potentially cause diabetes.

Polk State College President, Eileen holden is heading the fundraising campaign for United Way. At a Wednesday kick-off at LEGOLAND, Holden recognized Greg Littleton, President of Citizens Bank & Trust, for leading the pacesetter companies to a quick $600,000 head start on the drive. Pacesetters are companies who lead the community with early fundraising for United Way and commit themselves to increased donations. Littleton said the pacesetters raised 8% more than they did in last year's community campaign.

The $8.8 million goal was announced by Holden to a crowd of 600 supporters hosted by LEGOLAND, in Winter Haven. United Way will use the funds to partner with over 60 community organizations to impact issues in education, family economic stability and public health.