The Chicago area`s recently completed United Way/Crusade of Mercy campaign exceeded its $87 million goal in 1985 by collecting $87,025,000, officials of the charitable fundraising organization have announced.
A highlight of the 1985 campaign was a record-breaking contribution of $1,050,000 from Sears, Roebuck & Co. It was the Chicago Crusade`s first contribution of more than $1 million and was made by the company in addition to the $1.6 million in pledges from Chicago area Sears employees.
”This was the United Way/Crusade of Mercy`s 51st campaign,” said Barry Sullivan, chairman of the First National Bank of Chicago, who served as the 1985 general chairman. ”In this 51st year the top 51 companies, based on combined corporate and employee contributions, contributed 51 percent of the total funds we raised.”
The United Way/Crusade of Mercy is the Chicago area`s largest and most inclusive fundraising drive supporting health and human care services. It covers Chicago and 160 suburbs in Cook, Du Page and parts of Kane, Will and Lake (Ill.) Counties.
Funds raised during the drive support 370 city and suburban social agencies as well as the American Red Cross and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.
The more than $87 million raised here is believed to be the second-largest amount nationwide, behind the estimated $140 million to be raised by the New York City area campaign. That camaign, covering parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, continues through March.
