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United Way 2016 campaign raises record $2.7 million

United Way of Henderson County raised more than $2.75 million in its 2016 campaign, said Denise Cumbee Long, executive director.

Long announced the record total to the 150 volunteers, business representatives and community members at the LIVE UNITED Celebration on Feb. 28 at Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown. She thanked them for their strong support.

“Not only did our local businesses and community residents raise more funds than the prior year as part of our annual campaign efforts, but we also received two large bequests from the estates of long-term donors, Elizabeth Warrick and Patsy Reeves,” Long said. “These generous gifts will benefit our efforts to improve education, financial stability, health, and crisis services in Henderson County over the next few years. And, they will also support our new online volunteer matching program and Women United initiative with fifth grade girls. We are excited to see how these generous planned gifts will benefit our community and are grateful to all our supporters who stepped up to make our 2016 campaign a big success.”

To recognize the contributions of time, dollars, and volunteerism, United Way presented campaign achievement awards at the event. This year’s winners include: Award Name Criteria Recipient Overall Campaign Award
Overall Campaign Award to Meritor, Inc.; Employee Giving Award to Wilsonart International; Model Campaign Awards to Champion Comfort Experts, Park Ridge Health and GE Lighting Solutions; Advancing the Common Good Award to Pardee UNC Health Care; LIVE UNITED Award to Kimberly-Clark; Superhero for United Way Award to Kendall Jones; Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator Awards to Lu Ann Welter and Jennifer Harrell, City of Hendersonville; Campaign Chair Award to Debbie Wilkinson, Wells Fargo.

The Edward C. Brisley, Jr. Award was presented by UWHC Staff to Will Hendricks of Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. This award recognizes a member of the community for outstanding volunteer service to United Way and celebrates the uncommon way he or she cares about our community.

The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award for 2016 was awarded to Chuck and Jean McGrady. Jean McGrady accepted the award from the Cranford’s son, Charlie Cranford. This award, sponsored by Johnson Price Sprinkle PA, recognizes a Henderson County resident(s) who supports United Way of Henderson County, works with other local nonprofit organizations, and who best exemplifies the community leadership and generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. The McGradys have a distinguished history of service to the community for over 30 years as advocates for children, the environment, and those in need.

The 2016 Campaign Sponsors were Park Ridge Health, KimberlyClark, GE Lighting Solutions, SELEE, Morrow Insurance, Wilsonart, Cooper Construction and Dunlap Construction.