By Tom Blakey

Transcript Staff Writer

More than 130 representatives of local companies, organizations and social service agencies attended Friday’s luncheon for the United Way of Norman at the J.D. McCarty Conference Center.

“We’re calling it the Community Campaign Kickoff and Pacesetter Celebration,” said Kristin Collins, United Way executive director.

The luncheon marked the grand finale of the Pacesetter companies’ campaign, which began Aug. 1 and often sets the tone for the rest of the fundraising drive, Collins said.

The community campaign runs now through Nov. 9, with a total fundraising goal of $2.125 million, Collins said.

The 29 Pacesetter companies committed to raising money for the United Way of Norman through employee drives, payroll deductions, fundraising events, gifts and other avenues.

Pacesetter chairs Diana Hartley, Suzanne McAuley and Kevin Hopper announced $1,049,529 had been raised to date — almost half of the overall $2.125 million goal.

With the amount just shy of $1,050,000, Campaign Chairman Jeff Pilkington, pulled a $100 bill out of his wallet and instigated an on-the-spot collection. Within a few minutes, participants had ponied up more than $500, bringing the Pacesetter companies’ total amount raised to $1,050,029.

Collins said Pacesetter companies had never raised more than $1 million. “They didn’t just raise it, they flew by it,” she said.

Collins credited the generosity of company employees and “fantastic corporate gifts.”

“Our Pacesetter companies set the pace. They are caring, committed, enthusiastic, hard-working, generous people and companies who are greatly invested in this community and quality of life for everyone,” Collins said.

Chilton Marshall, vice president of resource development at the United Way, said Pacesetter companies hope to raise about half of the overall fundraising goal, and also set goals within the individual Pacesetter companies.

“We’re ecstatic. The Pacesetters raised almost half of the overall goal and they exceeded the individual Pacesetter company goals by 112 percent. We’re blown away by their efforts and innovative fundraising ideas.

“We’re looking forward to the rest of the campaign and meeting the needs of the Norman community,” Marshall said.