News

United Way celebrates campaign, thanks donors

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 7, 2018

The United Way of Henderson County celebrated the results of its 2017 campaign and thanked leadership donors and key volunteers at a celebration that drew 170 supporters to the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown on Thursday.

United Way Executive Director Denise Cumbee Long thanked individuals and organizations for their strong support of the campaign and announced that the 2017 campaign raised a total of more than $1,777,000. The event also celebrated a key milestone in local United Way history, reaching more than $50 million raised in the past 65 years.
“United Way of Henderson County has been a key leader in our community since 1953,” said Long. “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate this milestone of giving and the generous individuals and businesses that made it possible.”
Signature Sponsors of the 2017 campaign were Park Ridge Health and Continental. Additional campaign sponsors include GE Lighting, Kimberly-Clark, Morrow Insurance, Cooper Construction, BGW, Edward Jones, Haynes Wire, Southern Alarm and Security, and United Community Bank.
Awards were presented to Meritor for the most outstanding overall campaign and Wilsonart for the highest employee giving results.
The Edward C. Brisley Jr. Award, sponsored by Miller’s Fine Dry Cleaning, was presented to Brenda Wilkerson. Louise Powell received the Superhero for United Way Award, and John and Lisa Bryant were recognized as the 2017 Campaign Co-Chairs.
The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award went to Dave and Nancy Shaffer of Morrow Insurance. Linda Thomas accepted the award on behalf of the Shaffers from the Cranfords’ son, Charlie Cranford. Sponsored by Johnson Price Sprinkle PA, the award recognizes Henderson County residents who support United Way of Henderson County and other local nonprofit organizations and who exemplify the generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. The Shaffers have a distinguished history of service to the community and have nurtured a wider culture of generosity among employees at Morrow Insurance.
The 2017 United Way campaign will support $1.46 million in community investment during the 2018-19 fiscal year. The total community investment includes grant awards to funded agencies, designations from donors, and Board-directed grants and initiatives, as well as funding support for 2-1-1, Rising Leaders, volunteer initiatives, Charity Tracker and other programs benefiting the residents of our local community.
Of the total investment, $770,112 was recently approved for allocation through funding awards. These awards were determined through a rigorous application and review process conducted by trained community volunteers. Grant awards to 41 programs at 23 Henderson County agencies will support initiatives that align with United Way’s strategic goals in education, income, health, and basic needs/crisis services.