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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- A Jefferson City CPA and a local beverage distributor will serve as co-chairs of the United Way Campaign.

Board President Dave Turner introduced accountant Debbie Snyder and businessman Bernie Fechtel as the team that will head up the fund-raising 2010 effort Wednesday morning.

The 2009 campaign raised $1.6 million to fund 25 service agencies such as Jefferson City daycare, which offers subsidized child care to low-income families.

"This year's goal of a million 620 is gonna be tough,” 2010 Campaign Co-Chairman Bernie Fechtel said. “But we think we can rely on our community to step forward.”

The United Way also presented a check for $19,000 to the Jefferson City daycare.

The special grant will be used to replace the rubberized surfaces of the playgrounds.

“As you can see by looking at the playground surface, they're well worn,” Turner said. “We want our children to be outside, enjoying the outside.”

The Jefferson City United Way this year is under the direction of Ann Bax.

Bax replaced long-time director Linda McAnany, who retired.