United Way officials in Cincinnati are concerned that a sluggish economy and “flat-line” giving are going to leave them short of their $62 million goal by the time the annual campaign ends Oct. 31.

        As of Thursday night, Cincinnati's United Way campaign - which began Sept. 1 - has raised $33.4 million, nearly 54 percent of the goal.

        Carol Aquino, vice president of communications at United Way, said the fear of falling short comes from the fact that some corporations that solicit employee contributions weren't producing increases over past giving and others were lagging behind.

        “It's a tough economy,” Ms. Aquino said. “We knew that coming in.”

        Many of the 170 agencies in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky that receive United Way funding - particularly the social service agencies - are experiencing an increased demand for services, Ms. Aquino said. “which is why we need increased giving.”

        David Calhoun, the chief executive officer of GE Aircraft Engines and chairman of the 2002 United Way campaign, said many of the corporate campaigns are just getting started.

        “It's essential that we gain some momentum there if we are to have any chance of getting to $62 million,” Mr. Calhoun said.

        More than 2,000 businesses in the eight-county area are participating in the campaign. But, said Ms. Aquino, they are “thousands more” who are not.

        Any local business that is not part of the campaign can still join, Ms. Aquino said, by calling 762-7100.

        Last year, the United Way campaign raised slightly more than $60 million.

Bush puts war spotlight on Cincinnati
Suburbanites mobilizing on local issues
Recent examples of neighbors fighting back
Luken scolds Ohio Legislature
School districts weigh pop policy
Warren County, UC explore partnership
GUTIERREZ: For good time, call clowns
McNUTT: Glendale's history safe and protected
RADEL: Father, son learn about life on trail
Police investigate homicide in Norwood
Police: Offering beer to killer OK
Teen sought in stabbing at mall
Flat giving holds back United Way
Group holds voter signup
Police grant to build trust
School vows to defy state, stay open
Storms, high winds cut power to 35,000
Beech Acres Park plans intensify
CAA appealing dismissal of civil suit
Congrats
Faith Matters: More seek to become priests
Firefighters to hold annual memorial
Forest Park to reward recycling
Group rebuilding after theft
Man, 65, guilty of molesting two girls
Sisters of Charity celebrate 150th
Sycamore Twp. board rejects sales tax boost
Tentative deal to avoid school strike
Foes share desire for Bush link
Lawyers dissect strategy in Patton case
Patton seeks Conner leak
N.Ky. technical school renamed
Overturned tanker jams AA Highway