For the first time in six years the Wiregrass United Way has reached their annual fund raising goal. And they did so without extending the campaign into the new year.
Alfred Saliba, Campaign Chairman, made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at the local United Way office. Saliba was joined at the press conference by numerous United Way board members, volunteers, agency representatives and United Way staff.
Earlier this year the goal was set by the volunteer leadership of the Wiregrass United Way at $2.2 million. As of Tuesday afternoon the organization had raised $2,206,292. This year's total represents a 4% increase over the previous year. Last year the campaign raised $2,117,680.
Mr. Saliba credited the dedicated volunteers and staff for their hard work over the past five months. Each of the five counties that make up the Wiregrass United Way had strong leadership for the campaign. The county campaign chairs were Jeff Brannon of Medical Center Enterprise, Coffee County; Sammy Judah of Circle Insurance, Dale County; Senator Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb National Bank, Geneva County; David Herndon of Herndon Oil Corporation, Henry County and Hugh Wheelless of Wheelless Development, Houston County.
There were also numerous volunteers throughout the area that served as Loaned Executives and Employee Coordinators. The Wiregrass United Way has a small staff with only seven employees for the five county area.
Mr. Saliba also pointed out that it is important that both individuals and companies that have not yet mailed in their contribution do so. These agencies need those dollars to accomplish valuable work in our communities.
The Wiregrass United Way has served the Wiregrass Area since 1938 currently funding 36 member agencies 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 or visit their website at www.wuw.org.