Columbus, Ohio – AEP Ohio and United Way of Central Ohio announced that generous donors throughout central Ohio have exceeded the goal set for  "The AEP $1 Million Community Challenge for Basic Needs."  AEP Ohio donated $600,000 to United Way of Central Ohio to help people who are struggling to meet their basic needs like housing and access to critical health care, and in September, 2010 challenged our community to raise an additional $400,000.  That goal was exceeded by almost $15,000.

"We all know that  Columbus is a very generous community.  This is a tremendous achievement and one more reason to be proud of all of the people in central Ohio who put the needs of others before their own," said Joe Hamrock, President and Chief Operating Officer, AEP Ohio.  "People understand that investing in United Way is one of the most effective ways to ensure that everyone in our community has access to basic needs, and their donations will help thousands of our friends and neighbors."

United Way and AEP Ohio made a special outreach to corporate leaders and individual donors to contribute to the challenge fund which will go to support United Way-funded programs that help people meet critical basic needs like food, shelter and emergency financial assistance.

"Helping people meet their basic needs always has and always will be an important part of United Way of Central Ohio's work," said Janet E. Jackson, President and CEO, United Way of Central Ohio.  "With the strong support of excellent corporate partners  like AEP Ohio, and our thousands of individual donors, United Way will continue to help people when they need it the most."

AEP Ohio's $600,000 donation is part of its “Partnership with Ohio” fund which enables United Ways and  foodbanks across Ohio, as well as other service-based organizations to provide additional help in the areas of health, hunger and housing to Ohio's families in need.

Final results for United Way of Central Ohio's 2010 annual campaign will be announced at the Celebration of Excellence on May 10 at the Ohio Union.

  

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Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Ohio is working to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks of a better life: a quality education that leads to a productive career, enough income to support a family through retirement, good health, and a safe place to live.   Together, we can achieve real, lasting improvements in our community.  For more information, visit www.liveunitedcentralohio.org.