Volunteers for United Way of Eastern Orleans reported raising $141,314 in the annual United Way/Red Cross Campaign. With a few employee campaigns still underway, the figure reported is estimated to include their participation. Volunteers celebrated success in raising the dollars necessary to continue funding vital services and programs offered at 11 health and human service providers throughout the Eastern Orleans community. Contributions to the annual appeal remain within the local community, helping to improve the quality of life for those in need here at home. The announcement was made at a dinner celebration held Monday, November 19 at Tillman's Village Inn.

"Our message this year was the need to and the importance of taking care of our own," remarked Lee Minier, vice president, Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. and 2002 campaign chair. "And our community did just that." Minier went on to say, "The events of September 11 did not diminish our spirit, in fact, they united us, stronger, in caring for those in need and giving them hope. And because of the outpouring of generosity from the people of Eastern Orleans, we are able to give them hope through the United Way-funded services and programs here at home, in Eastern Orleans. Programs that, every day, are improving the quality of life for families, co-workers, and friends."