Tom Decosimo

The chairman of this year's United Way of Greater Chattanooga fundraising campaign announced today that the organization has raised 23 percent of its $11.7 million goal, with $2.7 million pledged to the community campaign fund so far.

"We are ahead of last year's pace," Tom Decosimo said in a news release. He attributed the campaign's early success to so-called "pacesetter" efforts as well as the "enthusiasm and optimism among the corporate leaders" involved in this year's fundraising effort.

There were 27 companies that were "Pacesetters" this year. Of those that have reported fully, Miller and Martin recorded a 31 percent increase in giving, while giving at Henderson, Hutcherson and McCullough increased by 16 percent, the news release stated.

United Way staff and volunteers also have engaged more than 20 new or returning companies that did not participate last year, many of which will run employee campaigns and make corporate gifts, according to the news release.

"With several months to go in the campaign, we want businesses and individuals in our community to understand that it's not too late to help the United Way ... in promoting education and stability while providing support for the area's most vulnerable," Decosimo said.

For more information, call the United Way at 423-752-0300 or visit www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org. Those who would like to mail a donation may send it to United Way, P.O. Box 4027, Chattanooga, TN 37405.