With current economic conditions and the loss of a major contributor, organizers and directors for the Atmore United Fund are hoping a kick-off event will encourage community contributions.

Lee Ann Allen, vice president of the organization and kick-off chairperson, said a Thursday evening affair will begin the campaign to raise funds for area agencies served by United Fund.

“We want to introduce the community to the agencies that benefit from the funds raised through this campaign,” Allen said. “We also want to explain how donations help the entire community by helping each of the agencies.”

Bernard Bishop, United Fund president, said the goal for the group has decreased from previous amounts raised by the organization.

“Our goal for 2011 is $50,000,” Bishop said. “This figure is down from last year and previous years. We had to make adjustments because we have lost a major donor. We are calling the community into action. We need donations for this campaign.”

The event is planned from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the GECA Theatre at the corner of South Trammell and Nashville Avenue. Refreshments will be served and GECA performers will provide entertainment.

Allen said fundraising is becoming a challenge and organizers will have to develop creative avenues for fundraising.

“We did not have as much community participation last year in the fundraising campaign,” Allen said. “And, this year we are losing any funding that we had previously gotten from the Neal Trust. That means we are going to have to be a little creative with our fundraising.”

One creative idea will benefit one lucky person to the tune of $300 during the kick-off event, Allen said.

“We are going to have a cash raffle at the kick-off event,” Allen said. “Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. We will have a drawing at the end of the event and one person will win a $300 cash prize.”

Allen said tickets may be purchased at the event, at Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union on South Main Street or from any board member.

Officers for the 2010 United Fund are Bernard Bishop – president; Lee Ann Allen – vice president; Stephen Pettis – secretary; Ann Glavin – past president; Sandy Zuiderhoek, Carolyn Morris, Joan Hackman, Myrna Monroe, Pat Hetzel and Sandra Gray.

Agencies to benefit from funds raised through the United Fund campaign are the American Red Cross, Atmore Area Christian Care Ministries, Atmore Babe Ruth Baseball, Atmore Cal Ripkin/Bambino Baseball, Atmore Girls Softball, Atmore Pee Wee Football, Atmore Public Library, Atmore T-ball, Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Council on Aging, Dr. Bernard Bishop Ministries, Escambia County Cooperative Library, Friends of Education of Escambia County, GECA, Goodwill Easter Seals, Hospitality House Ministry, Progressive Civic and Recreational Club, Youth Leadership Atmore and Atmore Area YMCA.

Allen said invitations to the event are being mailed and hand delivered to area businesses.

“This event is open to anyone who would like to learn more about United Fund and the agencies we serve,” Allen said. “Any donations by cash or check will be welcome and we encourage the community to be a part of United Fund.”

For additional information about United Fund or to make a contribution, plan to attend Thursday’s kick-off event or contact any board member or your employer.