United Way of Hall Co. announces $2 million goal

GAINESVILLE - United Way of Hall County held its annual campaign kickoff Tuesday, announcing a goal of just over $2 million.

The speaker was Atlanta Falcons starting full back Ovie Mughelli, fresh off his team's opening season win Sunday over the Detroit Lions.

Mughelli stressed the importance of "living united." This year's United Way campaign slogan is Live United, and he said playing a football game or anything else should be a team goal.

Mughelli said his NFL team has long been a United Way partner. Mughelli said he has started his own foundation to help needy children.

"United Way and the NFL have done great things as far as improving the lives of children, so I'm just doing what I can to make a difference," Mughelli said.

Before speaking to the capacity audience, he met with Boys and Girls Club members and signed autographs.

Campaign chairman Darrell Snyder announced this year's goal at $2.03 million, with more than $500,000 already raised with United Way's Cornerstone campaign.

"We look at what our partner agencies need for their funding," Snyder said.

"Being in a difficult economy it's important for us to raise those additional funds for the partner agencies. They have more people coming to them looking for services than they really ever had before."