CITY WANTS TO UNITE IN FUND-RAISING.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - City Manager Ken Pulskamp plans to lead a renewed drive to bolster donations to the United Way, from $560,000 to $750,000 a year, which will help local social organizations that have seen a dip in state and county funding because of budget cuts.

Pulskamp, who was chosen to lead the Santa Clarita drive this year, said the goal is to implement new ways of collecting donations, such as tapping into smaller businesses, and maybe holding a telethon on public access television before the campaign ends in June.

``We haven't been as successful as we would have liked in the past,'' Pulskamp said. ``I'd like to make a concerted effort to call up businesses and to put out a renewed campaign.''

The United Way of Greater Los Angeles, of which Santa Clarita is a part, typically collects donations through employee paychecks, corporate donations and individuals.

But in Santa Clarita, where there are fewer large corporations, more awareness is needed, Pulskamp said.

``We're looking at doing some other things, potentially doing a local version of the Jerry Lewis telethon,'' Pulskamp said. ``We're looking at potential grants. We're looking at lost accounts, asking them to reconsider. My experience is that the people of Santa Clarita will come through, but we also give much less than other communities to the United Way.''

John Dakin, vice president of resource development for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, said local programs and agencies are asking for more funding because of lost state and county money due to budget cuts.

The United Way of Greater Los Angeles hopes to raise $70 million through June to keep up with needs.

``Charities are definitely looking at us to help more,'' Dakin said. ``There are some programs in the San Fernando Valley that are feeling the state's impact. There can also be a lagging effect. The cuts made even a year ago can affect programs in 2005 or 2006.''

According to figures compiled by the United Way, of the 60,000 children who live in Santa Clarita, 9,000 live with a single parent, 3,000 live with grandparents, and 1,000 live with a nonrelative.

More than 10,000 Santa Clarita residents are recipients of public assistance.

Though the local Boys & Girls Club has not been directly affected by state budget cutbacks, Santa Clarita's population growth has placed more demands on the organization, said Jim Ventress, its chief professional officer.

The organization served 2,500 youths in 2003 compared with 1,600 last year, thanks in part to a new clubhouse that opened this year. The club has gone from spending about $600,000 a year to $1.5 million.

Funds from the United Way comprise 15 percent of the budget, but if donations don't come in, the Boys & Girls Club could see a decrease in funding.

``As we have grown, we've been inquiring about getting increased funds,'' Ventress said. ``I know a lot of other agencies like the Child and Family Center and the (Samuel) Dixon (Health Clinic) that have expanded services because of the needs. Our wish is that as we grow, we can keep that same 15 percent. We're all handling more and more people. As the community grows, we all have to grow to provide more services.''

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com