United Way ends campaign year; supporters thanked
By Laura Collins
Published in News on February 26, 2010 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Bob Logan accepts the Emil Rosenthal Volunteer Award during the United Way of Wayne County's annual meeting at Lane Tree Golf Club in Goldsboro. Logan will serve as chairman of the 2010 board of directors for the organization.
After a year that yielded a less than stellar campaign drive and concerns about funding levels for some of the community organizations it serves, the United Way volunteers gathered Thursday to recognize those who persevered during what officials called a "perfect storm" of economic struggle and a drop in community interest.
The highlight of the annual meeting was the presentation of the Emil Rosenthal Volunteer Award to incoming board of directors chairman and longtime volunteer Bob Logan.
The surprise honor was presented by David Perry, last year's award winner and Logan's friend.
"There is very little our recipient has not done or an organization that has not benefited from the commitment to community he has. (Logan) is quiet about the involvement and just gets the job done," Perry said.
In addition to the United Way, Logan has served as senior warden on the Vestry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and on the boards of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Commission, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts and the North Carolina Community Foundation, in addition to others. He was also awarded the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award for community service.
"Today he receives the Emil Rosenthal Award for his tremendous contributions to our community since 1983 and in recognition of his unselfish service to Wayne County and his willingness to continue to give back to his community," Perry said.
Logan briefly spoke after receiving the award.
"I'm obviously very touched by this. This has been a real honor," he said. "I couldn't do any of it without your support and commitment to the United Way."
Later Logan added that during his time as board chair, he hopes to "close the door on 2009 and make 2010 a little different" for United Way.
"It's just been a little harder to get folks to give," he said. "We have to dig harder and have a lot more communication with the community agencies to determine the best approach to make the community invest more."
At the meeting, campaign chairman Brian Taylor announced the outcome of the extended 2009 campaign, which concluded at the end of January. Taylor said the United Way reached 90 percent of its goal by raising $1.25 million. He estimates that will affect more than 25,000 lives in Wayne County.
He said getting to that level was a struggle.
"We were faced with come very difficult challenges," he said, then referred to the "perfect storm" of a bad economy and lack of interest in the campaign.
But even with those setbacks, Taylor said there were some bright spots -- businesses that increased their levels of giving.
Special Campaign Awards were presented to:
* The city of Goldsboro, which raised $28,842
* J.J. Haines and Co. Inc., which raised $3,760
* Piedmont Natural Gas, which raised $16,247
* AT&T Technical Support Center,which raised $27,856
* Turner Equipment Co., which raised $4,582
* Southco Distributing Co., which raised $16,660
* Waukesha Electric Systems, which raised $13,054
* Wayne Memorial Hospital, raised $212,000
The Bush Andrews Award, which acknowledges companies that have a certain percentage of fair share giving and a significant corporate match, was presented to Moffatt Oil Co. and Alta Foods.
In addition, retiring board or director members were recognized at the meeting.
They include Dr. Kay Albertson, Bill Brewer, Tom Buffkin, Mayor Al King, Tasha Logan, former chairman Ric Moffatt, David Perry, Richard Weeks, Brent Williams and Dr. Edward Wilson Jr.
In parting, outgoing chairman Ric Moffatt, who was also honored for his service during the past year, thanked those in attendance for the opportunity to serve on the board, then gave some advice to area businesses.
"For those of you who chose not to be involved (in the campaign), come off the sidelines and get in the game," he said. "Employees should have the opportunity to learn about what United Way is doing in the community and decide to get involved."