2/5/97 Contact: Richard Polen, Ohio University, 614/593-2097

ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University United Appeal campaign reported a fund-raising total as of Wednesday (Feb. 5) of $67,785, or 96.8 percent of the campus' $70,000 goal. The drive has exceeded last year's pledges, which reached $67,241, or 112 percent of the $60,000 goal.

President Robert Glidden hosted a luncheon for the campaign's 27 captains Wednesday in recognition of their work to encourage university-wide support for the community agencies that receive funding from United Appeal.

The campus campaign reported 814 contributors with an average pledge of $83.37. Last year, 813 employees contributed to the campaign, with an average pledge of $82.71.

"Although we fell just a little short of our ambitious goal, I'm pleased that the university community exceeded last year's amount," said Richard Polen, campaign coordinator and assistant to the vice president for university relations. "I want to thank and congratulate all of our 27 captains for the hard work and volunteer effort which made the campaign so successful. And everyone connected with United Appeal and its agencies thanks all 814 university employees who contributed."

United Appeal for Athens County supports 14 nonprofit health and human service agencies.

In the past several years, Ohio University has contributed about one-third of the total funds raised in the county. United Appeal for Athens County Executive Director Ann Miller said the county campaign is on its way to reporting collections of up to $150,000 by the end of this week, and said she anticipates more contributions this month. The final county campaign figure will be announced Feb. 27.

Contributions for this year's campaign will be accepted until the end of February. University employees seeking more information about United Appeal may call campus campaign officials at 593-2097.