United Way Kicks Off 2009 Campaign   The familiar United Way of Lexington-Rockbridge County (UWLRC) banner was raised on South Main Street on Monday, signaling the start of the annual campaign. New thermometer signs will spring up around the community in the coming weeks, marked with an ambitious $250,000 goal for Lexington and Rockbridge County. Area residents have been generous in the past. Last year pledges and direct donations from area residents and businesses totaled approximately $235,000. Most city and county residents will receive a mailing around Labor Day, seeking a pledge or one-time contribution. In addition, a number of area workplaces will conduct their own campaigns this fall, offering employees a chance to contribute through payroll deductions. Business owners and other employers will also be contacted and will be encouraged to consider conducting a workplace campaign. Individuals who give at least $500 a year are recognized with membership in the “Generals Club.” General and Mrs. J.H. Binford Peay III are the honorary chairs of the Generals Club this year and willhost the annual reception. The organization hopes to raise 100% of its goal by year-end, so that it can fulfill its commitment to its fifteen supported agencies for calendar year 2010: • American Red Cross Central Virginia Chapter • ARC of Rockbridge • Blue Ridge Legal Services. • Campus Kitchen at W&L • Meals for Shut-ins • Project Pride – Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) • Rockbridge Area Free Clinic • Rockbridge Area Occupational Center • Rockbridge Area Relief Association • Rockbridge Area Transportation System • Rockbridge Regional Library • Stonewall Jackson Area Boy Scout Council • Talking Book Center • Valley Program for Aging Services • Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center “When the economy is tough, the need for community services rises,” said David Dax, executive director of the United Way of Lexington and Rockbridge County. “The agencies supported by the United Way provide those services and help make our community stronger. We hope that this year’s campaign will be our best ever.” All contributions to the UWLRC will be used to support work being done in Rockbridge County and Lexington. Each spring, board and community members interview the organizations requesting United Way funds to ensure that the money is spent wisely and kept in the community. Anyone who is interested in sending a pledge or a direct donation should contact David Dax, the Executive Director, at 540-463-4482 or at ddax@unitedwaylexva.org for any information. Contributions should be sent to the United Way of Lexington-Rockbridge County, P.O. Box 1094, Lexington, VA 24450, or online at www.unitedwaylexva.org.

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