United Way of Tarrant County has set a $24 million goal for the 2006 fund-raising campaign. United Way CEO Tim Carter characterizes the goal as bold and optimistic, but says he thinks the community will be that generous. The countywide fund drive officially began September 19. Final results will be tabulated and announced in early 2007.

Campaign Chair Bob Pence, president and chief executive officer at Freese and Nichols, acknowledges there are ups and downs in the local economy every year, but says “this year some companies’ results have never been better. We are counting on those companies and residents who currently are blessed with economic good fortune to step up to the challenge and give more to those who need their help.”

By the official close of the 2005 campaign, United Way volunteers raised more than $24.7 million, primarily from 130,000 workers in workplace campaigns at more than 800 work sites, as well as from local foundations and generous individuals. In addition, Tarrant County donors raised almost another million dollars for hurricane relief.     

The current campaign goal takes into consideration that Tarrant County United Way will no longer manage the fund-raising campaign for more than 19,000 federal employees. However, Tarrant County nonprofits will still benefit from donations designated to them from that campaign.