United Way raises $11 million, surpasses 2014 campaign goal

CEDAR RAPIDS - More than 630 people gathered at the DoubleTree hotel on Thursday to learn if United Way of East Central Iowa reached its $11 million fundraising goal.

In fact, United Way surpassed that campaign goal, raising a total of $11,022,534. That is the largest amount raised in the organization's 100-year history, officials said.

'United Way focuses on education, helping kids get ready for school and helping people get job skills and job training,” said Lois Buntz, president and CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa.

'We know that there is a tremendous need. Every year when we allocate the money that we raise, we have 30 percent more requests than we can possibly fill.”

Campaign co-chair Matt Evans said United Way's campaign 'is about the community.”

'We work hard, we play hard, and we give back at a level that's incredible to see,” he said.

United Way also created a centennial volunteer club of people who pledged to volunteer 100 hours in the organization's 100th year. The 165 volunteers who signed up gave almost $175,000 worth of time to the community, according to United Way officials.

United Way of East Central Iowa and its partner agencies serve Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, and Linn counties to help communities with needs in education, financial stability, and health.