For the fifth consecutive year, the Wiregrass United Way has reached their annual fund raising goal. In addition, the local organization also surpassed the challenge goal that was set by the Wiregrass Foundation. Bob Woodall served as overall Campaign Chairman for this year.
Last summer the goal was set at $2,555,555.55 by the volunteer leadership of the Wiregrass United Way. Then at the campaign kickoff in September the Wiregrass Foundation challenged the local United Way to go past their goal and raise $2.6 million. The Foundation pledged to contribute $400,000 if they exceeded $2.6 million.
As of February 4th the organization has raised $2,605,192. A few more national companies are expected to turn in their final campaign reports this month. With the pledge from the Wiregrass Foundation this brings the grand total to more than $3 million.
Walter Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Wiregrass United Way credited the dedicated volunteers and staff for their hard work during the campaign. “Once again we were blessed with strong leadership from our volunteers. They all said that we would make the goal and they all worked hard to get us to this point,” he added.
The county campaign chairs were Toni Kaminski, Coffee County; Billy Blackwell, Dale County; Mayor Karen Simmons, Geneva County; Tim McCraney, Henry County and Mike McCann, Houston County.
There were numerous volunteers throughout the area that served as Division Chairs, Loaned Executives and Campaign Coordinators. The Wiregrass United Way has a small staff with only six employees for the five county area.
Hill thanked the many volunteers who spent numerous hours assisting with the campaign. “It takes a lot of people working together toward a common goal to achieve a goal of this magnitude,” Hill stated. “We could never have reached this milestone without the dedication of so many people. On behalf of the thousands of Wiregrass residents who will benefit from the programs and services provided by the agencies we say thank you.”
The Wiregrass United Way has served the Wiregrass Area since 1938 currently funding 37 community impact partners in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties. Funds raised by the Wiregrass United Way are utilized locally in the five county area. A committee of local volunteers determines how the funds are distributed among the member agencies. For more information call 792-9661.