West VirginiaUniversity hopes to raise at least $200,000 this fall for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties. The campaign goal was announced today (Sept. 19) during a noon kick-off luncheon at EricksonAlumniCenter.

“United Way is about community building,” WVU Vice President for Student Affairs and University United Way Chairman Ken Gray told about 150 employee volunteers.”Its about people caring for and helping other people.  Youve got the power to make a difference.”

Last year, WVU employees contributed more than $221,000 to the effort, exceeding a goal of $200,000.

Gray said this years campaign is already off to a great start with nearly $10,000 in contributions from 62 WVU retirees.

Also speaking at the event was Glenn Adrian, campaign chairman of the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties. He stressed the importance of WVU s participation in the overall two-county effort in which the goal is $1.2 million.

“Nothing does my heart better than to see all you volunteers,”Adrian said.”This campaign could not experience success without you. And no campaign will be successful without the decision of each individual to contribute.”

United Way assists 27 agencies in Monongalia and Preston counties which provide a variety of services to meet the needs of local area communities.

This years campaign runs through Oct. 31.