United Way of Chattahoochee Valley hosts 2012 fundraiser kick-of - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

United Way of Chattahoochee Valley hosts 2012 fundraiser kick-off

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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley has officially begun their 2012 fundraising campaign. They kicked things off with a luncheon at the Convention and Trade Center on Thursday.

With a new year comes a loftier new goal: the organization is aiming for $6.8 million.

That's a $200,000 increase from last year, but United Way believes people need help now more than ever.

"Even though the economic climate seems better, unemployment is still pretty high, and feeding the valley food bank has already given over 5 million pounds of food already this year," said Scott Ferguson, President and CEO of the United Way of Chattahoochee. "So, people still need help."

United Way is helping 26 local agencies that provide 50 programs to area residents. They also cover eight counties in the surrounding area.

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