GRIFFITH – The United Ways serving Lake and Porter counties kicked off its 2012 regional fundraising campaign at The Big Schmooze in Merrillville. The combined goal is $6.5 million, up $200,000 from last year.

Contribution raised during the campaign will support more than 60 health and human service programs and initiatives in 2013.

“These are the building blocks for a good quality of life. Everyone deserves opportunities for a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health,” said Aaron McDermott, Lake Area United way’s 2012 campaign chair. He is president of Latitude Commercial Real Estate.

Leading the way for United Way of Porter County is Dave and Linda Rose. He is Northwest Indiana president of Horizon Bank. “Last year an estimated 233,000 Northwest Indiana residents benefited from programs and initiatives funded by United Way,” said Rose. “That’s nearly 640 people a day.”