United Way goal announced

The United Way of Southern Nevada announced an ambitious $14 million fundraising goal Friday, noting that the distressed economy means more demands on social and charitable services.

"It's in times of economic hardship that you most see the needs in the community," said Michael Yackira, president and CEO of Sierra Pacific Resources and chairman of the campaign this year.

"As the budget of the state is having some issues, our contributions to education and health care are going to become more important."

The goal is $1.7 million higher than last year's and represents a 14 percent increase.

The tough economy, though, also makes it harder to raise money, acknowledged Jonathan Halkyard, a Harrah's executive and vice chairman of the fundraiser.

"There will be a headwind, there's no question about that," he said.

But "we looked at companies in the community small and large ... we think there's a huge opportunity to get more companies involved."

Boyd Gaming, Nevada Security Technologies, Southwest Gas Corp. and UPS have already gotten started by raising $1.6 million.

The United Way backs several programs aimed at meeting educational, health care and income needs, such as a screening program for kindergartners to identify at-risk students.

The organization also helps people with immediate needs such as food, gas and bus vouchers, and legal services. That fund has been increased to more than $2 million because of increased demand, Yackira said Friday.

More information is available at www.uwsn.org.