Pocono News Section

Give Ten, Ask Ten, Win One Hundred

Give Ten, Ask Ten, Win One Hundred - Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 5:20PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Nov 24, 2009 @ 05:20pm EST
MARSHALLS CREEK, MONROE COUNTY - The Monroe County United Way hopes to raise more than a million dollars by the end of the year. But so far it only has about $300,000. So the organization found a new way to raise money.

The Monroe County United Way unveiled a new billboard for a new campaign Tuesday. Executive Director Tim Lee said, "This is a very different kind of fund raising than we've done in the past."

The United Way traditionally collects money from companies and employee payroll deductions. But in this economy, donations have dropped. Campaign Co Chair Jamie Keener said, "The campaign is struggling a bit because of the economy."

So the Monroe County branch is trying something new. Instead of just asking for large donations from companies, it's also asking for small donations from individuals. Keener explained, "It's trying to identify people who have not been involved in the campaign before."

It's called Give Ten, Tell Ten, Win A Hundred. To donate, log on to the . Donate ten dollars yourself, then through the site, send an email asking ten of your friends to donate. If you do that you are entered to win $100 or other prizes. Kelly said, "I think it kind of adds a little more fun and excitement to it."

Dennis Jeter owns A Sound Strategy. He developed the website. he donated all of his time. If the United way paid for his services it would have cost at least $9,000 He said, "It feels great! I'm a big believer in giving back to the community."

Adams Outdoor Advertising donated three billboards to the cause. Mark Rimland of Adams said, "It feels good for everybody to be able to contribute a little bit."

The billboards are worth several thousand dollars. But you certainly don't have to give that much to make a difference. The United Way is asking for just $10.

Kelly said the United Way will still ask for business and employee contributions. The new fund raiser will supplement that money.