LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 27, 2000

RESERVE – United Way of St. John President Greg “Za” Maurin launched the2000 fund-raising campaign at the Dupont PERO building announcing, “You think you know United Way? Think again.”Campaign chairman Sheriff Wayne L. Jones said the organization bringstogether quality people in the parish to accomplish a goal.

This year’s campaign aims to raise $240,000 to help fund 17 local agencies, which also gave help to more than 13,000 St. John the Baptist Parishresidents, or 31 percent of the parish population in just one year alone.

“It’s such a bonafide, credible organization,” Jones said.

Last year’s campaign saw River Parishes Hospital double its previous year’s contributions, saw students at East St. John High School raise $1,300 amongthemselves and saw the United Way golf tournament generate $17,000 above expenses.

Many members of the campaign committee, together with representatives of the various organizations assisted by United Way, gathered for a breakfast meeting Thursday, where they also viewed a three-minute video aimed at generating enthusiasm for the drive.

Upcoming events announced by Jones include the Oct. 9 golf tournament anda “guest bartender” stint by Jones at Bull’s Corner Restaurant in LaPlace on Dec. 18, proceeds from which are dedicated to United Way.At the breakfast Jones also announced that Parish President Nickie Monica would also help work the bar, “though he doesn’t know it yet,” Jones added with a grin at Monica in the audience.

In addition, Fair Share givers (one hour’s pay per month for one year) will be eligible to be entered in a drawing toward a round-trip ticket for two anywhere in the continental United States, compliments of River Parishes Travel Center.

Level I in the drawing will take place at the various company sites, where one pull will be done per 20 names. Level II will draw 10 names from the Level Iwinners at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. Level III will choose thewinner at the United Way victory celebration.

Dean Torres, executive director of United Way of St. John, introduced thecampaign committee, including Galen Hathcock of Nalco for major industry; Larry Clark of C&C Business Services, Ched Edler of Latter & Blum, Sharon Krutzflet of Latter & Blum and Michelle Marino of Lofton Staffing Services for general business; Chris Donaldson for education; Julia Remondet and Angel Aycock for government; Lt. Greg “Za” Maurin for the sheriff’s office;William O’Regan, Dr. Cesar Roca, Peter Remondet and Dr. John Paul forprofessionals; Marion Broussard, Floyd Guillot, Mary Ann Brady and Elexia Henderson for retirees; and Gretchen Plewak for the golf tournament.

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