For Immediate Release

Media Contact

Steve Hughes

607.936.3753

shughes@uwst.org

United Way Raises $4,404,899

Exceeds Goal and Sets Fundraising Record

CORNING, NY, February 26, 2008 – At the Annual Awards Breakfast this morning, United Way of the Southern Tier announced $4,404,899 has been raised during the 2007 Campaign, exceeding last year’s recording setting amount of $4,324,942.  Seventy-six percent (76%) of the funds raised come from workplace campaigns, and 20% through corporate pledges.

“This result is a resounding statement from the community and their capacity to help people improve lives”, said Dan Bower, President of Hunt Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors and Board Chair for United Way of the Southern Tier.  “When the desire to help equals a community’s generosity, great things happen”, Bower added. Ron Hatch, United Way President was very energized with the campaign results.  “I’m very proud of this significant accomplishment... the business community, our friends in labor and the residents of the Southern Tier should all be very pleased.”

United Way of the Southern Tier’s annual campaign is made possible through numerous volunteers and led by four division chairs.  The 2007 Campaign leadership team included; Western Steuben (Hornell) by Jim Bicker, Central Steuben (Bath/Hammondsport) by Pam Colomaio, Eastern Steuben (Corning) by Marilyn Custer-Mitchell and Peter Wallin in Chemung County.  “The effort involved in campaign work is extraordinary and the staff and workplace volunteer’s do a superb job” said, Steve Hughes, Director of Major Gifts.  Hughes, who joined United Way in August, observed the campaign for the first time. “My colleagues do phenomenal work, but what impressed me most is how deeply committed everyone is to making the Southern Tier a more vibrant place to live and raise families”.

Although the 2007 Campaign has ended, contributions to United Way of the Southern Tier can continue throughout the year. Donations should be mailed to United Way of the Southern Tier, 300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza – Suite 220, Corning, NY 14830.

A complete list of all award winners can be found on the UWST website at www.uwst.org

About the United Way of the Southern Tier

United Way of the Southern Tier is a locally managed non-profit organization focused on effectively mobilizing the caring power of our community to help people improve their lives.  United Way of the Southern Tier is the largest non-governmental provider of funding for health and human services in Chemung and Steuben Counties.