By IVY FARGUHESON
ifarguheson@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — The Indianapolis Colts aren’t the only ones who’ll need a come-from-behind victory against a formidable foe to continue a successful season.
The United Way of Delaware County, matched up against a withering economy, will have to do the same thing if they hope to meet their $2.1 million fundraising goal.
“We’re down in the Red Zone and we can’t give up,” said Brent Webster, the Peyton Manning of this campaign. “We have to make it through this final push to get the job done. … We just can’t give up.”
To date, the campaign is $900,000 short of its goal with close to two weeks left in the fundraising season. Donations will still be accepted after the Dec. 1 campaign completion celebration, but organizers have typically received the bulk of their dollars by that point.
As is the case with many fundraisers across the country, the economy is to blame for the slow goings. Wallets are tighter this year compared to in the past and employees who might have given last year could be in need of United Way agency services this year.
Despite the economic crunch, close to 7,000 donors have contributed to this year’s campaign. And the challenge grant, which matches individual contributions that are new or larger than last year’s donation, have added close to $160,000 to the overall goal.
“We want to exceed the $2.1 million dollar goal, obviously,” said Gary Chenault, president and CEO of the United Way. “There are a number of campaigns that are still out and so (meeting the goal) is very doable. We’re encouraging the community to invest in this community.”
Webster, the chairman of the campaign, drew inspiration from the Colts’ dramatic victory over New England on Sunday evening. He is “cautiously optimistic” that the fundraising goal will be met.
But like his local NFL team, and his local quarterback, he hopes the community will dig a little bit deeper to succeed during this fourth quarter.
Local residents in need depend on it.
“The ability (to meet the goal) is there … It’s about keeping the momentum up,” Webster said. “I don’t want anyone to think that they can slow down and give up. We can do it. We can do it if the community is willing to.”