10/2/96

ATHENS, Ohio -- After far exceeding the fund-raising goal of the Ohio University Athens campus United Appeal campaign last year, organizers this year have set what they call an ambitious goal: $70,000.

"Setting the goal at $70,000 poses a real challenge for the campaign this year," said campaign Chair Richard Polen, assistant to the vice president for university relations. "We were really pleased with the support last year, and we're looking for even stronger participation from university employees to get into the spirit of giving."

The university raised $67,109 last year, or 112 percent of its $60,000 goal.

Twenty-seven captains are leading volunteers in promoting campus support through the October drive. Pledge cards have been mailed to all employees.

United Appeal supports 14 non-profit health and human service agencies in Athens County. The countywide goal this year is $190,000; last year, the county campaign raised $181,970.

Last year, 810 people, or 27 percent of employees, contributed to the university drive, and the average pledge per person was $82.65. In the past decade, Ohio University has raised an average of at least one-third of the Athens County total.

The heart of the drive will continue through October, and pledges will be accepted until January.