Volunteers from throughout the Wiregrass area gathered Thursday night to celebrate the success of the recent campaign for the Wiregrass United Way. Alfred Saliba, Campaign Chairman, thanked the numerous volunteers for the many hours they spent contacting area businesses and individuals.
Saliba also announced that the campaign raised a record amount. Back in August the volunteer leaders set an ambitious goal of $2.2 million. The final total was $2,304,126 which represents 104.73% of goal. This total represents an 8.8% increase over the previous year. Last year the campaign raised $2,117,680.
At the celebration Saliba presented recognition awards to each of the county campaign chairs. These were the leaders in each county who dedicated five months to the Wiregrass United Way: 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.
Mr. Saliba was presented an appreciation award from the Wiregrass United Way Board of Trustees for his incredible leadership. Pat Dalbey, Board Chairman, made the presentation. According to Dalbey, "We knew we had a winner when Alfred agreed to lead our campaign. He told our board back in August that we would make the goal and his leadership and motivation was a tremendous asset to the campaign."
In addition to the overall goal all five counties made their individual goals. Geneva County raised $93,277 for 128.60% of their $72,000 goal. Coffee County raised $248,320 for 102.99% of their $240,000 goal. Dale County raised $206,765 for 103.34% of their $200,000 goal. Houston County raised $1,438,718 for 102.75% of their $1,400,000 goal. Henry County raised $80,069 for 105.13% of their $76,000 goal. In addition to the five counties, the Combined Federal Combined for the Wiregrass raised $217,814 which represents 108.91% of their $200,000 goal and the state employees' campaign raised $19,163 for 95.82% of their $20,000 goal.
Walter Hill, CEO for the Wiregrass United Way thanked the volunteers who were instrumental in the success of the campaign. "It took people from all five counties believing in the United Way and sacrificing time out of their lives for us to reach this level," Hill stated. "We are a volunteer based organization with only seven staff members to cover five counties. The true beneficiaries are the thousands of people who will benefit from the programs and services of the 35 agencies we support."
At the conclusion of the celebration Mr. Saliba told the volunteers present that the recent campaign was history and that it was time to look to the future. He then introduced Senator Harri Anne Smith as the next Campaign Chair. According to Saliba, "I am leaving the organization's campaign in great shape. Senator Smith has the ability to pick up where we left off this year and continue to increase the fund raising ability of the Wiregrass United Way. Every additional dollar raised means more people in need will receive the necessary assistance."
The Wiregrass United Way has served the Wiregrass Area since 1938 currently funding 35 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.