United Way of Kitsap County announced that $1,548,888 has been pledged to-date for the 2003-04 Campaign. This is over 88 percent of the goal of $1,750,000.
  “This has been a very exciting campaign this year,“ according to Executive Director, David Foote. “We have increased the number of individual and business donors this year and many organizations have far exceeded their annual giving goal.”
   Foote continued by saying, “United Way is still waiting for reports from about 40 companies or individuals, which is a normal business situation at this time of year. We are hopeful that we will still be able to reach our goal.”
   To date, 327 local donors have joined the Leadership Giving Program, a program for donors who invest an annual personal gift of $500 or more. Foote stated, “We were extremely excited this year to receive our first individual pledge of $10,000 from a single donor. This gift represents our first Alexis de Tocqueville Society level giving by an individual from Kitsap County.” The Alexis de Tocqueville Society is a national society that recognizes the generosity of those who give $10,000 or more to United Way.
   Funds pledged will be allocated to United Way’s 31 partner agencies through our community impact fund. The allocation process is currently underway with allocation amounts planned for announcement in April.
   Final results for the 2003-04 Campaign will be announced at a Victory Celebration Luncheon on Wednesday March 24. This event will also be the United Way of Kitsap County Annual Meeting. The event will be held at the Silverdale Red Lion starting with a reception at 11:30 a.m.
   To RSVP call (360) 377-8505. The cost is $20.00 per person.