United Way exceeds goal

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

The United Way of Smyth County surpassed its goal by 5 percent, raising $195,334 in a campaign that had a goal of $185,000.
The results of the campaign were announced in the United Way’s annual meeting and celebration last week that included a luncheon in the General Francis Marion Hotel. The event was attended by more than 80 United Way Board Members, supporters, and agency representatives, according to United Way Executive Director Rhiannon Powers.
Powers said United Way Leadership Awards were “given to those in our community who have paved the way for giving and provided a positive example to help better the lives of those in our community. Recipients of the Leadership Awards contributed $1,000 or more to this year’s campaign.”
The awards went to American Electric Power, BB&T, CenturyLink, Dr. Emmett Richardson III, Food City, Dr. and Mrs. James Gates, Marion Youth Center, Mountain CAP, Slemp Brant Saunders & Associates, Smyth County Farm Bureau, Florence Powell, Joel and Misty Pugh, Smyth Co. Machine & Welding, Smyth County Schools, SWVA Legal Aid Society, Town of Marion, UPS, WM Coffman Stairs, Wachovia/Wells Fargo Foundation, and Walmart.
Gold/Silver/Bronze Awards went to “those who support the United Way’s work of advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all,” Powers said. “These leaders have devoted their time, talent, and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our communities’ most serious issues. These awards were presented to those who contributed $10,000 or more this year to the campaign.”
Bronze Awards, presented to organizations contributing between $10,000 and $14,000 or more, were awarded to Kennametal Inc., Bank of Marion, and MASCO/Merillat.
Silver Awards, for organizations contributing $15,000 to $18,000 or more, went to Royal Mouldings and Utility Trailer.
Contributors of between $19,000 and $23,000 and earning Gold Awards were General Dynamics and Smyth County Community Hospital that was also honored as the largest contributor and boasting the largest employee contributions.
“Due to their hard work this year in motivating employees to participate in their workplace campaign, Smyth County Community Hospital was also presented with the Diamond Award in Special Appreciation for their Support of United Way and the people of our community,” Powers said.
Giving $1,000 or more from the hospital were Dr. Anthony Clary, Frederick and Leela Moses, Dr. Art Steed and Jane Gattinger, David and Vickie Rice, Mark Montgomery, and Lindy White.
Samantha Archer, physician relations and business development coordinator at Smyth County Community Hospital, chaired the 2009 campaign. Kelly Spencer-Hill, director of parks and wellness for the Town of Chilhowie, co-chaired.
The campaign launched last August under the theme United We Serve, reflecting President Barack Obama’s community service initiative that is part of his plan for national economic recovery, according Powers.
Del. Bill Carrico (R-5th) told the nearly 70 people assembled for the campaign kickoff that each has talents, and using talents together is the way to create the most change in a community, Powers said.
“We will need the community’s support to be successful,” Powers said.
This was Powers’ first campaign as executive director, a post she assumed a year ago.
“I’m excited,” Powers said at the campaign’s start, “and a little nervous.”
Powers said earlier that “when times are hard, that’s when people should feel the need to give the most for people who have no resources whatsoever.”
Evidently, people felt that need.
“The United Way would like to thank all the individuals, business, industries, and agencies who helped to contribute to the success of Campaign 2009,” Powers said Tuesday. “With this support, the Smyth County United Way surpassed its goal. These funds will be used to assist the agencies working to serve the people of Smyth County. Thank you to all who worked to make this campaign a success.”

dkegley@wythenews.com