QUINCY, ILL. -- The following is a press release from the United Way of Adams County:

United Way of Adams County Campaign Division Leaders met this morning to review the progress of the 2010 campaign. Campaign Chairman Mike Mahair, President of State Street Bank, announced that $288,897 has been pledged to date representing 25.68% of the $1,125,000 goal.

“This year’s campaign is off to a remarkable start,” said Mahair. “Many of our bigger companies have started or completed their workplace campaigns putting the campaign about three weeks ahead of where we were last year.”

Among these businesses or organizations off to an early start are ADM Alliance Nutrition, Blessing Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gardner Denver and Quincy Compressor. The division making the greatest strides is the Special Gifts Division which contacts retirees and home-based businesses. Last year at this time the division was at 1.86% of their goal. This year, givers in this division have already contributed more than $34,000 which is 43% of the division’s goal.

“These individuals are always very supportive of the United Way campaign and their response this year has been astounding,” Mahair added. “The enthusiasm surrounding the 2010 Campaign is being felt throughout the community and especially in the work place. People recognize United Way is the best way to help meet the increasing needs in our community.”

Each year more and more companies and organizations host special events. ADM Alliance Nutrition was the first Adams County company to host year round special events for United Way including cook outs, bake sales, a Halloween Party and more. This year they will host a United Way Poker Run on October 3rd at 1pm. A standout in special events this year has been the Adams County government with events including a used book sale and their upcoming Nacho Day on September 24th from 11-1 at the County Courthouse. Blessing Health System will once again host Caesar Salad Day in October and City of Quincy employees will bring their cookout back to City Hall on October 1st from 11-1. For more information on these and other events contact the United Way office.

In addition to dollars raised through workplace and special gift campaigns, United Way hosted three special events. For the eighth year, United Way Restaurant Days ran throughout the month of August. Thirty local restaurants took part in the event. Contributions are being sent in now and we are well on our way of meeting or exceeding last year’s total of more than $6,000. United Way thanks each of its participating restaurant owners for taking part in this fun, delicious event.

Restaurant Days wrapped with the Annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast hosted by County

Market at 24th and Spring. Five hours and hundreds of pancakes helped raise nearly $1,400. United Way would like to recognize Todd Musilino and his staff for their assistance and guidance during this event. The United Way Golf Tournament was held September 13th at Spring Lake Country Club. This event attracted 19 teams from various local businesses. Results from the event are not yet totaled however participants enjoyed great weather for the event. Thanks to the staff at Spring Lake Country Club for making this event so much fun for all who participate.

The campaign’s focus remains on finalizing the larger companies’ campaigns. Volunteers will also work to wrap up smaller company campaigns by the end of the month. Efforts will continue to be made to reach out to individuals who have not given to United Way in the past. To this point, there are more than 50 new donors to this year’s campaign accounting for more than $4,000. We invite everyone to take part in United Way. To find out how you can give, advocate or volunteer for United Way please log on to www.unitedwayadamsco.org or call (217) 222-5020.

2010 Progress and Goals

DIVISION                                GOAL                                      $ TO DATE                              % OF GOAL

Commercial                            $60,674                                  $15,825                                  26.08%

Financial                                 $160,000                                $102,453                                64.03%

Industrial                                $506,772                                $124,490                                24.57%

Out of Area                             $7,000

Professional                           $50,000                                  $9,667                                    19.33%

Special Gifts                           $80,000                                 $34,136                                  42.67%

Special Efforts                        $25,554

TOTAL                                     $1,125,000                             $288,897                              25.68%