From homeless families to homebound elderly, there are many people in the East Valley who receive assistance from Mesa United Way-funded agencies. Some folks need shelter until they can get back on their feet again. Some women need counseling and a safe place to stay to break free from domestic violence. Some children need the mentoring and guidance that comes from programs for youth.

The Mesa United Way held its annual lunch Friday to recognize corporate and individual donors. During the event, QuikTrip was recognized with the Heart of Mesa award for the percentage of employees making donations, its corporate gift and contributions by leadership. Two nonprofit organizations, The Marc Center of Mesa and A New Leaf/Mesa CAN, were also honored.

The Mesa United Way has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise money for local nonprofit agencies that could face funding shortfalls because of Mesa’s budget cuts.

The Mesa United Way has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise money for local nonprofit agencies that could face funding shortfalls because of Mesa’s budget cuts.

“I had no idea!”

Mesa United Way is inviting qualified non-profit organizations to apply for funding from its 2013-14 Community Chest. Representatives of interested organizations must make reservations and attend one of two pre-application meetings this month. Applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 1.

As of Thursday, April 19, donors had contributed $2,265,074 to the Mesa United Way’s 2011-2012 Pledge Campaign, an increase of about $30,000 over the past few weeks. The goal is $2,825,000, so about $560,000 is still needed. The campaign ends on June 30.

In the past two weeks, the Mesa United Way pledge campaign for 2011-2012 has brought in another $170,000. As of Tuesday, $600,000 had been raised toward the $2,825,000 campaign goal. The campaign, which started July 1, ends June 30, 2012.