Stanislaus business group hoping to raise $2 million

The Stanislaus County Economic Development & Workforce Alliance is hoping to raise $2 million with the help of its friends and fellow businesses.

The alliance, which provides free business and work force services in the county, is launching Momentum 2016 on Monday. The once-every-four-years fund-raiser aims to supplement the alliance's other funding, much of which comes from the government.

The campaign will run two months and end Dec. 12.

This is the third private fund-raising campaign the alliance has held. In 2004, it raised $1.6 million; in 2008, it raised $1.75 million.

The funds from each drive are used over a four-year period to fund economic development and existing programs and services.

Alliance spokeswoman Alisha Cruz said this year's drive aims to raise more money and add more donors than ever before.

So far, 60 companies have pledged money, including 20 first-time donors. They hope to have more than 100 donors from across the county by the time the campaign ends.

Businesses that donate are offered incentives at different funding levels, ranging from being included in alliance publications and newsletters to attendance at business forums and more. Funding levels range from $500 to more than $30,000.

"We want this to be businesses helping other businesses in Stanislaus County," Cruz said. "A lot of the companies (that donate) have already reaped the benefits of working with the alliance. These companies all care about strengthening Stanislaus."

The alliance is holding a kickoff party for current and potential donors from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th St., Suite 102, in Modesto. To RSVP, call (209) 567-4951 or e-mail gutierra@stanalliance.com.

Bee staff writer Marijke Rowland can be reached at mrowland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2284.