Atmore’s United Fund board members are busy making the rounds through the Atmore area seeking donations to fund agencies benefited by the group.

Lee Ann Allen, vice president of United Fund, said fundraising efforts are still in the beginning stages.

“We are really just getting started making our way around to the businesses here,” Allen said. “We are going to be trying a few new things this year that we believe will help those who donate more aware of where their money is being used.”

Allen said United Fund serves 19 area agencies with needed funds through contributions made to the Fund.

“We are hoping that by making donors more aware of where their money is being used they will feel better about making that donation,” Allen said. “We are happy to be able to provide funding to these organizations and groups, but it is only through donations by contributors that makes that possible.”

The fundraising goal for the 2001 campaign is set at $50,000, a smaller amount than in recent years.

“We are hoping to reach that $50,000 goal,” Allen said. “We will continue to solicit funds until spring. We want to give everyone a chance to help the organizations in our community.”

Allen said a full board of directors has divided a list of potential donors and will be making appointments to request donations for United Fund.

“We have a great group of board members who work hard for United Fund,” Allen said. “Everyone is doing their part to make this year’s fundraising campaign a success.”

Board members for the 2011 United Fund include Bernard Bishop as president, Allen as vice president, Ann Glavin as past president and Stephen Pettis as secretary. Board members include Joan Hackman, Sandy Zuiderhoek, Carolyn Morris, Pat Hetzel, Myrna Monroe and Sandra Gray.

Agencies benefiting from contributions made to United Fund include the American Red Cross, Atmore Area Christian Care Ministries, Atmore Babe Ruth Baseball, Atmore Cal Ripken/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.

Any business, group or individual who would like to make a contribution to the 2011 United Fund campaign may do so by contacting any board member.

All contributions to United Fund are tax-deductible. All donations will be receipted for tax purposes.