United Way marks end of 2007 campaign, sets sights on 2008
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on March 2, 2008 2:00 AM
From staff reports
More than 200 people gathered Thursday at the Goldsboro Country Club to mark the official end to the 2007 United Way of Wayne County Community Campaign.
Jimmie Ford, 2007 chairman, thanked the many volunteers who brought the organization's message to the people and businesses of Wayne County -- and who were instrumental in the organization's reaching 96 percent of its goal to improve more than 27,600 lives in Wayne County.
Ford said although the United Way fell short of its $1.44 million goal, the team effort is what inspired him to keep going -- and resulted in a last push that netted significant community involvement and donations.
He thanked not only the volunteers, but Wayne County residents, for their support of the United Way's efforts both in fundraising and in service to their community.
"I am proud to have served with all of you," he said. "We did this together."
Among those singled out for exceptional service during the 2007 campaign were four local businesses that earned the Bush Andrews Award for their contributions to the United Way.
The award is given to the organizations that have achieved 80 percent Fair Share giving with a 50 percent corporate match, or 90 percent Fair Share giving.
The organizations honored for 2007 included The Goldsboro News-Argus, Goldsboro Builders Supply, Moffatt Oil Co. and the United Way of Wayne County.
Also honored with Campaign Chairman's Awards were several local businesses or organizations that offered outstanding support to the 2007 campaign.
They included:
*Wayne Memorial Hospital, which raised $201,000, which will improve 4,020 lives in Wayne County.
*Brogden Primary School, which pledged $10,577 and improved more than 211 lives.
*Park Designs, which pledged $9,411 and offered a 40 percent corporate match.
*Strickland Insurance Co., which raised $18,679 and improved 373 lives.
*Anchor Coupling, which raised $11,504, with an average gift of $302.
*WAGES, which will im-prove 124 lives by raising $6,200.
In recognition of his service to the community, United Way Board of Directors president Jane Rustin presented Ford with a past chairman's award.
Several other volunteers were also honored including executive board members Ric Moffatt, president-elect; Geoff Hulse, vice president for community investment; Don Magoon, vice president for finance; Dave Parsons, vice president for community service; David Perry, vice president for fundraising; and Sally Worrell, vice president of marketing.
Susan Keel, the 2007 Taste of Wayne co-chairman along with Mrs. Worrell, also was honored for her efforts.
Local media, The Goldsboro News-Argus, PACC10/Carolina Day Break, Curtis Media Group and the Mount Olive Tribune, were also honored for their promotion of the campaign events.
Perry and his wife, Bethany, also a board member, were officially announced as the 2008 campaign chairmen.
The last order of business for the afternoon luncheon was the presentation of the Emil Rosenthal Volunteer of the Award, which was awarded to Lynn Williams, director of community relations for Mt. Olive Pickle Co. and the campaign's 2007 Marketing Committee chairwoman.
The award, which was presented by the 2006 winner Dr. Kay Albertson, recognizes a United Way volunteer who demonstrates a commitment to service, concern for the welfare of those who are less fortunate and the ability to motivate others to serve.
Dr. Albertson said Mrs. Williams represented all those qualities -- and more.
Mrs. Williams began volunteering in 1999 and has served in various capacities since that date. This past year, she directed the marketing for the 2007 campaign, leading the Bring It On challenges as well as the Portraits of Promise theme.
Surprised by the honor, Mrs. Williams choked back a few tears as she accepted the award, emphasizing that she volunteers for the United Way because she believes in the organization and the work it does. She added that giving back to make her community better is a priority for her as a mother and a future grandmother as well.
"I am humbled," she said.