Agencies are spared cuts from United Way

PORT RICHEY -- While social service agencies in Hillsborough and Pinellas face budget cuts from withering United Way funds, their Pasco County counterparts can breathe a sigh of relief this year.

The United Way of Pasco County announced Wednesday its annual fundraising campaign has netted $1,128,347, about $1,000 more than last year. That means the group won't have to cut any of the money it gives to about 26 local social service agencies, United Way of Pasco president Susan Arnett said.

"It has been a difficult year," said Kathy Small, chairwoman of the group's board of directors. "This is really significant when you look at what has happened in other communities."

Last week United Way of Tampa Bay said it would have to cut funding to scores of Hillsborough and Pinellas county agencies because its fundraising campaign fell $3-million short of its goal. On average, agencies there faced a 23 percent cut in their dollars from United Way.

The tight financial times also tested United Way of Pasco County. Some companies saw a decrease in United Way pledges from their employees, and other companies gave smaller corporate gifts because of the difficult economy, United Way campaign chairman Joe Marina said.

But they were outweighed by the companies that saw an increase in their employees' United Way donations, Marina said. Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Market Charities together gave $67,000 more this year than last year, he said.

Contributions were also significantly higher this year from the following: Pasco County School District, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Ferman Nissan Cadillac, Pasco County government, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Pasco County Tax Collector, Saddlebrook Resort, state employees, United Parcel Service, Wachovia and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative.

George Magrill, a United Way board member who heads Youth and Family Alternatives, said agencies that rely on United Way money are grateful for the community's support. Youth and Family Alternatives receives United Way money for its runaway shelter in New Port Richey and its programs for truant and troubled teens.

United Way also contributes to the American Red Cross, the Boys & Girls Club, Hernando/Pasco Hospice, and the YMCAs in east and west Pasco, among other agencies.

"We're a small part of their budget, but just to know they don't have to make up that part of their budget this year was a big relief to them," Arnett said.

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