United Way of Southwest Michigan is spending the week making sure the community knows about the 2011 campaign and is revved up and ready to raise $3,150,000.

The goal is an increase of $150,000 over last year.

“Last year was a successful year, once again surpassing $3,000,000,” said 2011 Campaign Chairman Dave Doetsch. “Our emphasis this year was to build on that success, but keep our sights realistic.”

United Way will be in communities throughout Berrien County this week letting people know about the start of the campaign.

“If you see United Way supporters at a corner, make sure to honk as you go by,” said United Way President Anna Murphy. “We are out this week trying to get everyone excited about the work United Way is doing.”

For some companies, the United Way 2011 campaign is already successfully in the books, Doetsch said.

“This year’s campaign is off to a fantastic start thanks to our Pacesetter partners and early campaign champions who are showing that the growth we thought was possible actually is! They have already raised about $500,000.”

United Way didn’t take setting a $3.15 million goal lightly.

The goal reflects the increasing level of need.

The goal also is a reflection of faith in the generosity of the community and the enthusiasm supporters have for United Way, Doetsch said.

“The community was fantastic last year in stepping up and returning the campaign to over $3,000,000,” he said. “Early discussions with our many partners showed no sign of decline in their enthusiasm, so we feel confident that this goal can be both met and surpassed.”

The key is to help people understand the work of United Way. “We need to share the good work that our United Way does and show how the dollars people donate make a difference,” Doetsch said.

Murphy agreed. “When people look at the changes we are making in this community in the areas of education, income, health and basic needs, they understand how critical it is to continue this work.”

Thirteen companies stepped up to act as Pacesetters for the 2011 campaign:

• AEP-Cook Plant

• Robert Bosch Corp.

• Chemical Bank

• Cornerstone Alliance

• Express-1 Inc.

• K & M Machine-Fabricating Inc.

• Kemner-Iott Insurance Agency of Cass County

• Martin’s  Supermarkets in St. Joseph, Stevensville and Niles

• Midwest Family Broadcasting

• Target Inc. Store 1127

• Tyler Automotive

• Tyler Honda

• United Parcel Service

For more information about participating in the United Way campaign, contact Sharon Polfus at sharon.polfus@uwsm.org or (269) 925-7772, ext. 17.

United Way is a global network that advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health.