The United Way of Greater Milwaukee today kicked off its 2008 Community Campaign with a goal to raise $44 million.

The kickoff celebration was held this morning at the new Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Co-chairs David  Lubar, president of Lubar & Co.; Mary Ellen Stanek, managing director for Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.; and James Ziemer, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Inc., announced the goal, which represents a $2 million increase over the 2007 goal.

Lubar, Stanek and Ziemer asked the more than 400 people in attendance from business, government and nonprofit organizations to step up their donations this year to help fill the gap created by increasing needs and decreasing resources in our community.

"Job loss, increased costs for food and gas, investment losses and decreased home values are all examples of things that will impact United Way's ability to raise money. But these very same things drive the increased demand for the services that United Way funds," Stanek said.

"That's why it is our responsibility - those of us who can afford it - to step up our gifts this year. And we must ask our friends and colleagues to do the same," Lubar said. "When we prioritize charitable giving, United Way should be at the top of everyone's list because of the breadth and depth of programs it supports - from helping people put food on the table during these challenging times to connecting them to long-term solutions through jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage."

"Failure is not an option for this community. Without the money United Way raises, the 420,000 people helped by the programs it supports will suffer. And we will all suffer as a result. The ill effects of a struggling economy, like joblessness and poverty, are far reaching. Having a safe and healthy community benefits all of us as it attracts new business and increases local spending. We must do all that we can to improve our hometown. It is crucial." Ziemer said.

"We've heard from our partner agencies that more people than ever are asking for help. They've told us that people are forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying the rent. Many of them have never been in this situation before. No one should have to make those tough decisions. We're fortunate to have co-chairs that are committed to making certain United Way is able to help the people who depend on us," said Sue Dragisic, United Way president.

United Way's 2008 Community Campaign will run through Dec. 4. United Way invests the funds raised in the most critical needs of the community, including strengthening families and children, meeting basic needs, promoting self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of poverty.

For more information or to donate, visit www.liveunitedmilwaukee.org.