On September 11, the United Way of Kitsap Co officially kicked off its 2003-04 Annual Campaign. United Way of Kitsap County raises funds to support 31 local health and human service agencies.

The goal is to raise in excess of $1.75 million. Last year’s campaign generated a record $1.74 million.

“United Way is in the business of creating meaningful and tangible impact in Kitsap County,” stated David Foote, the charitable organization’s executive director. “It is not how many individuals we provide for and serve or how many programs or partners we unite. What matters here in Kitsap County is the bottom-line results and the lives we change.”

Because of the generosity of Kitsap County residents and businesses, critical health and human services are available to people who need them. Those 31 agencies offer assistance to people from North Kitsap and Bainbridge Island to Port Orchard and South Kitsap, helping thousands each year.

“The results that United Way agencies make possible far outweigh the activities,” Foote added. “It’s teaching kids that they have value and talent, it’s having a safe warm place for families to call home, those are the things that matter most here in Kitsap County.”

Seventeen Loaned Executives will be visiting local businesses and agencies soliciting their support of United Way of Kitsap Co this year.

Loaned Executives are volunteers who are either sponsored by their employers or give of their own time to make United Way presentations throughout Kitsap County.

This year’s team of Loaned Executives includes Brian George, phunghi, inc.; Colin Morrison, Kitsap Community Federal Credit Union; Deb Finley, Kitsap County Emergency Management; Gail F. Laraia, TRACE Accounting; Geoff Ball, Bainbridge Youth Services; Gisela Lubic, KPS Health Plans; Sue Wallace, Harrison Hospital; Doug Taasaas, Johnson Controls; Larry Thomas, Kitsap News Group; Laura Holloway, Kitsap Mental Health Services; Lynne Lance, Kitsap Community Resources; Steve Martin, Lockheed Martin; Angela ‘Anji’ Sell, Puget Sound Financial Centers; Chris Allen Hoch, Kitsap News Group; Peggi Erickson, EDS; Jo Reasons, Sponsored by the Boeing Co. & Group Health; and Sandra Spargo, John L. Scott.

To schedule a United Way presentation in your place of business, or to volunteer, call (360) 377-8505 or email tingwaldson@unitedwaykitsap.org.