Pat on back: United Way effort a sign of community, leadership

Earlier this week, the United Way of Wayne County gathered to celebrate a milestone -- and to honor those who helped achieve it.

For the first time in several years, the United Way was able to not only meet its goal, but to surpass it.

And lest you think it was all about money, think of it this way: Every dollar means that a local organization the United Way supports was able to help one of your neighbors.

That means thousands of Wayne County residents will benefit from the more than $1.2 million raised.

There are plenty of people to thank for that.

First and foremost, all of you who checked a box to donate or who handed over cash or a check to your employer's campaign effort.

Without you, there would be no United Way.

And second of all, to the businesses who allowed the campaigns and championed them. As evidenced by the campaign coordinator of the year's story at Cooper Standard Automotive -- anything can be done if there is support from management, co-workers and the home office.

And thirdly, to the army of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the campaign ran smoothly.

But a commentary on this year's campaign would not be an honest reflection of the achievement without a comment about its leader.

Dr. Glenn Phillips pushed, prodded, inspired and put into the perspective the task at hand -- and it is because of him that this campaign was a success.

He would never allow anyone to say that. That is why he is a true leader. But to ignore his impact on the campaign would be disingenuous -- no matter what he says.

But neither Dr. Phillips nor the rest of us should be surprised that this goal was met despite the economy.

Once again, Wayne County has proven that its hearts and its priorities are in the right place.

Published in Editorials on February 27, 2015 10:57 AM