DAPHNE, Ala. — More than 500 people attended United Way’s 2009 campaign kick-off luncheon at the Daphne Civic Center to hear Gov. Bob Riley speak about the importance of giving during these challenging economic times.

United Way has set a goal of raising $1.1 million with this year’s “Live United” campaign, an increase from $1 million last year.

“Even in a down year, it is remarkable that you set your goal higher than you did last year,” Riley said. “That is a testament to the people of Baldwin County and the faith you have in each other.

“$1 million is a lot of money,” he said. “United Way exists for one reason and one reason only: to do something collectively that we cannot do individually.”

Riley said that donating to United Way of Baldwin County has incentive because the money stays in the area and helps Baldwin County residents in need.

“You’re helping an individual,” he said. “You’re helping because it’s the right thing to do. Helping people that can never repay you. Helping people achieve a better life because of who you are.”

Brennan Carroll, a freshman at the University of Mobile — shared how United Way of Baldwin County helped Carroll turn his life around.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home in Memphis, Tenn., where his parents married and divorced twice, Carroll found refuge in drugs and alcohol at an early age.

He said that when he moved to the Eastern Shore a few years ago, he found himself associating with a dangerous element and feared he would end up in serious trouble with the law.

On Aug. 20, 2008 Carroll enrolled in Outward Bound, a wilderness intervention program that receives the majority of its funding from United Way. Under the program, adolescents participate in an intensive month-long wilderness expedition through the western states, with the goal of challenging themselves, among nature’s harshest elements, to find the right way to live. Upon completing Outward Bound, he entered a drug-rehab program and began his recovery.

“It is only by the grace of God I am standing here today,” Carroll said, expressing his gratitude for the efforts of United Way and those who contribute to its programs.

“The United Way has given me hope,” he said. “I have moved from dying in life to having a huge future.”

Don Lambert, executive director of the Snook Foundation, officially kicked-off the campaign by presenting a check for $40,000 to United Way of Baldwin County chairman Alan Schott.

The “Live United” campaign aims to: lower the county’s high school dropout rate; promote financial independence for families; and improve the health of individuals in the community.

Some of the agencies United Way of Baldwin County supports include: American Red Cross, Alabama Gulf Coast chapter; Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County; Baldwin County Mental Health Center; Bay Area Food Bank; Catholic Social Services; Drug Education Council; Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation; the North Baldwin and South Baldwin Literary councils; The Lighthouse; and The Salvation Army.

A choral ensemble comprised of area high school students sang the national anthem. They are as follows: Michael Miskovski and Moriah Riley of Daphne High; Sara Dumas of Fairhope High; Virginia Lynn and Ryan Toler of Foley High; Melissa Jackson and Lydia Stringfield of Gulf Shores High; and Cody Carroll and Darby Marshall of Robertsdale High; Donna Toler directed the ensemble.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.unitedway-bc.org or call 937-9600.