DECATUR - The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois has decided not to raise the goal for this year's fundraising campaign.

Officials on Thursday - the day the organization's 14th annual campaign kickoff was originally scheduled to take place - announced a goal of $2.5 million, identical to that of the 2007 campaign.

Last year's fundraising efforts fell short, however, collecting not quite $2.44 million.

Executive Director Denise Smith said she still considers $2.5 million to be an aggressive goal that balances recent job losses with an in ;creased need in the community, especially in light of state funding cuts to social services.

"We think it's our duty to the community to keep the level of giving at that amount," added Tia White, resource development director.

The announcement came on the heels of news that the United Way was postponing its golf outing and kickoff dinner to Sept. 18 because of heavy rain all day Thursday.

Organizers decided the dinner would be better attended and have a greater impact on the community if it took place right after the golf outing.

Plans are for a shotgun start for golfers at 1 p.m. and a celebratory dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Scovill Golf Course, 2909 W. Main St. The results of the United Way pacesetter campaigns will be announced at that time.

The golf costs $125 per person or $500 for a team of four.

tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978