Without the United Way, Odessa LINKS
 wouldn’t be able to link the needy with
 those who could help them. “United Way
 funds are very critical to us being able to
provide services here in Odessa
 community,” Anabel Spencer, Odessa
LINKS executive director, said. “With that
 funding, we’re able to promote
 collaboration among local community
 organizations.”

In that vein, Spencer’s one of many who are excited about the United Way’s new fund-raising goal. The United Way of Odessa kicked-off its annual campaign Thursday, announcing a fund-raising goal for 2007 and introducing the organization’s new executive director.


“It’s a lofty goal,” campaign chair Jack Wood said. “If we reach it, it’s the highest amount of money the United Way has ever reached.” Last year, the United Way of Odessa raised $1.508 million — exceeding its goal of $1.46 million. Spencer praised this year’s goal. “I think it’s an exciting and optimistic goal for the community to embrace and reach in the upcoming year,” she said. Other objectives on the agenda were the long-term goals of a 10 percent increase for each fundraising campaign during the next three years. “In the next three years, this United Way organization will get to a $2 million level — we think this is where we need to be,” Wood said.