NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 1997

TOWN RAISES MORE THAN $28,000

FOR CHARITIES

CARY -- Employees with he Town of Cary have raised $28,867 for the Town’s third annual giving program, up nearly $8,000 over last year. The money will be used to support 87 health, human, and environmental service agencies throughout the area.

"During the holiday season we come to realize that real joy comes not from receiving but from giving," said Ricky Barker, co-chair of this year’s Combined Campaign. Barker made his remarks Thursday at the Town’s annual employee recognition luncheon. "The opportunity to positively touch someone’s life through giving of ourselves and our resources is what the Combined Campaign is all about."

From late October through mid-November, Barker and co-chair George Beasley met with staff to discuss the pledge process. About 70 percent of the Town’s 650 employees participated in this year’s event, with most choosing to give through regular payroll deduction.

"The Town’s Combined Campaign provides an opportunity for us as individuals to join in a coordinated effort to better support important community programs," said Town Manager Bill Coleman.

Each year the Town invites groups interested in becoming part of its Combined Campaign to submit qualifications to the Town. Groups must certify that they are tax exempt, that there are no discrimination practices within their organization, and that their board members serve without pay.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Ricky Barker, Development Review Dir., 469-4085

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951