The United Way of the Lowcountry has announced a $100,000 increase in its fundraising goal for the 2014 campaign. On the success of last year’s $2.3 million campaign, newly-elected Chairman of the Board of Directors Ashley Twombley announced the new goal of $2.4 million at the non-profit’s annual meeting Thursday, April 3 at Hampton Lakes in Bluffton.

“I think this organization’s best days are ahead,” said Twombley. “This time next year I fully expect to be celebrating another year like this past one, knowing we have increased the number of people we are able to help.”

Formerly limited to a four month, targeted campaign, the United Way of the Lowcountry is moving to a yearlong fundraising format to better emphasize its services as a community impact organization. The new campaign format also lifts a fundraising blackout period for its partner agencies.

Twombley takes over as board chairman from Chris McCorkendale, whose tenure included expansion of the Early Grade Reading Program and the organization reaching its fundraising goal for the first time since 2007. In addition to Twombley, Mark O’Neil was sworn in as chairman-elect and Tracy Greco was sworn in as board treasurer. Other newly-elected board members include Bruce Doneff, Pat Johnson, Marc Stuckart and Charlie Francis. Current board members Jim McCornock and Brad Talbert were re-elected to new terms.

The United Way of the Lowcountry will soon begin the process of reviewing agency applications and will look for volunteers to fill spots on a Community Investment Panel. For more information, please contact the United Way of the Lowcountry’s Beaufort office at 843-982-3040.
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