United Way names Bush 2004 Chair

United Way of Greater Knoxville has announced Jim Bush, Chairman of Johnson & Galyon, Inc., will serve as the 2004 campaign chairman. Poised to lead United Way through its 83rd fundraising campaign in Knoxville, Bush is asking for the community’s continued support. He and his team of volunteers are responsible for raising over $11 million to support the local health and human service programs funded by United Way. The dollars raised this fall will help sustain the community’s safety net in 2005. While the official goal is yet to be determined, Bush is certain to try to exceed the record $11,008,850 raised in the 2003 campaign. This year’s campaign will run August 26 through November 19. “I am excited about leading this year’s campaign,” said Bush. “The programs funded by United Way are doing great work for people in need in this community every day. These needs do not diminish; they continue and costs increase. I’ve worked in United Way campaigns for many years, and I’ve seen the tremendous difference people can make when they pull together. We live in that kind of community. That’s what makes Knoxville a great place to live for all of us.” Bush, a native Knoxvillian, has assisted United Way in various volunteer roles since the 1960s. He has been actively involved in many local charities and has served on the board of directors for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Boys & Girls Clubs. Bush was recognized with the Knoxville Region Humanitarian Award in 2003 presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). “So many people know United Way for ‘the ask’ made each fall in the local media or at their workplace. They may never realize how much each gift really makes a difference and how much we need their support every year. Your gift to United Way makes Knoxville stronger, and I believe it is the best vehicle we have for supporting and making the greatest impact in our community. Every gift counts and every gift is appreciated. With your support, we can make sure that the volunteers who are reviewing these programs and making those funding decisions will have the dollars they need in 2005,” Bush said. United Way of Greater Knoxville supports nearly 140 health and human service programs from 50 local nonprofit agencies. Last year’s donations assisted more than 75,000 people in the Knoxville area, a figure equivalent to one of every five Knox County citizens.