BLOOMINGTON - State budget cuts to human services programs mean that the 2009 United Way of McLean County fundraising campaign will be as important as any in recent history.

"The needs of the agencies have never been greater," said campaign chairman Mark Peterson. "We have to be successful this year."

Peterson made his remarks Tuesday after he announced his campaign cabinet and the campaign pacesetter, Afni. Afni provides outsourced call center and collection services for the telecommunications, insurance and financial services industries.

(The campaign cabinet is listed below.)

Agency programs that help the developmentally disabled, families in crisis and others in need receive state funding and a smaller amount of money from United Way. United Way donations - for the fiscal year that begins July 1 - will help to fund 48 local social service programs run by a variety of agencies.

Demand for program services is increasing as state dollars are being cut, said Peterson, Normal city manager. He knows it will be a challenge asking people to give more money during lean times but said Afni will set a positive tone.

John O'Donnell, Afni vice president of operations, said he's honored that Afni was selected pacesetter to jump-start the fundraising campaign on July 24. The countywide campaign begins Aug. 26.

"We are very excited to lead the charge by increasing our level of giving, even during tough economic times," O'Donnell said. "Our (900) employees are extremely generous and have proven time and again that they are committed to lending a hand."

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Campaign Cabinet

United Way of McLean County's 2009 campaign Cabinet, announced Tuesday, includes:

Campaign Chairman Mark Peterson, town of Normal

Carol Ambler, Mitsubishi Motors North America

Dave Anderson, retired, town of Normal

Dean Barry, State Farm Insurance Cos.

Kevin Callis, State Farm Illinois Operations Center

Julie Dobski, Little Jewels Learning Center

Carl Enchelmayer, Afni

Jon Erickson, US Bank

Jeff Gum, Express Employment Professionals

Allison Khoury, Electrolux Home Care Products North America

Bob Lakin, Commerce Bank (2009 campaign chairman-elect)

Terry Lindberg, McLean County government

Tim Marron, State Farm Insurance Cos.

Joye McHale, State Farm Illinois Operations Center

John Meek, Felmley-Dickerson Co.

Gary Niehaus, Unit 5

Dan O'Brien, Extreme Motors

Jason Pals, National City

Aaron Quick, Farnsworth Group

Lance Reece, IBEW No. 197

Jim Schmidt, Illinois Farm Bureau

Mons Schrantz, retired, State Farm Insurance Cos.

Denise Thomas, Illinois State University

Karen Zangerle, PATH

SOURCE: United Way of McLean County