We exceeded our 6.8 million dollar campaign goal for a total of $6,945,000!

United Way has a successful 2007-2008 campaign year
view this year's campaign report >>

United Way celebrates another record-breaking campaign

Columbus, GA (February 15, 2008) – United Way is making history ... again. For the third
year in a row, United Way has met and exceeded goal. More than $144,000 over the $6.8
million goal, the organization has set a new fundraising record with a grand total of
$6,944,259. “This is the most money ever raised in our community. We are extremely
proud of what has been accomplished and the services in this community and the people
that will be helped are incredibly grateful for your generosity, Doll said.”

“The generosity of the people and companies of the Chattahoochee Valley is amazing;
Over 35,000 individuals trust us to ensure that local volunteers get results with their
investment,” stated Scott Ferguson, President and CEO. The entire community has made
this possible and we all should be proud. When compared to similar sized communities,
the Valley area is a leader in supporting United Way, and for that, I say thank you.

In lieu of the winter season and the theme “Flip Flops in February”, the Hilton Garden Inn
ballroom was transformed into a beach themed venue. Musician, Scott Kirby, provided
entertainment. Hismusic transported the more than 350 people attending the event, all
the way to Key West, Kirby’s hometown. The Hula Hallau O Kaleigh Dancers helped to
transform the audience to the shores of Hawaii.

At the end of the event, it was announced that Abbott Turner, a partner of Charbroil
Steakhouse Restaurant and retired W.C. Bradley Executive,would chair the 2008
campaign. Turner said, “United Way has a long standing tradition in our community and
I’m honored to serve as the next chair. Supporting this community has been passed
down through the generations and now it is our turn to make a difference. I encourage
everyone to get involved with United Way in any way possible – whether it be serving on
an allocations committee or volunteering in the campaign season – it is an extraordinary
experience.

Other highlights of the evening included a drawing for a 2007 Nissan Versa donated by
Rob Doll Nissan. The winner, Mr. Charles Book, an Inspector with Pratt & Whitney,
Columbus Engine Center, was randomly drawn from more than five thousand entries.
Seven local companies received awards for demonstrating the highest level of team spirit
and commitment to United Way and its mission. The award recipients and corresponding
award categories are:

Chairman’s Award of Excellence
Alexander Electric and CB&T
This award gives recognition for exceptional campaign performance.

Spirit Award
ALAGASCO, Bill Heard Chevrolet Family, Flournoy Companies and Litho-Krome Company
This award recognizes company campaigns that truly embody the “spirit” of United Way
and who seeks ways to make a difference in the community throughout the year.

Rising Star
SunFresh Beverages and West Georgia Orthodontics
Recognizes companies holding new campaigns with outstanding performance.

The lead sponsor of the event was Growing Room Franchising System, Inc. Other
sponsors were Georgia Power-A Southern Company, Automated Business Machines,
Homemaster Builders, Mutual of America, Dr. Susan Andrews and Murray Solomon

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is halfway home.
Ledger-Enquirer
November 2, 2007

After eight weeks of the campaign, more than $3.3 million, or about 49 percent, of the $6.8 million goal has been pledged.

"We really would like to get as many campaigns finished, as many pledges in as we can before the holidays," said United Way President Scott D. Ferguson. "The closer to the holidays, the more distractions people have."

Ferguson announced Thursday the campaign is going "great" and he wants to "keep the momentum going."

Ferguson said the cash total puts the campaign approximately $600,000 ahead of where it was at this time last year.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm in the area," he said. "Our people are working hard."

Although United Way wants the pledges as early as it can get them, some companies won't finish campaigns until January.

"We'll still take the money," Ferguson said smiling.

He said he doesn't believe the amount of money people plan to spend at Christmas affects the size of a United Way donation.

"For most, this money comes out of payroll deduction and doesn't begin getting taken out until next year. It's not like people have to write a check. This is a gift that lasts all year."

United Way funds 50 programs in 24 agencies.

It benefits people living in seven Georgia counties and one in Alabama. The Georgia counties are Harris, Muscogee, Talbot, Taylor, Chattahoochee, Marion and Stewart. The Alabama county is Russell.

Fundraising Drive Just "Fantastic"
BY LARRY GIERER
Ledger-Enquirer

The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is looking to golf and hockey to strengthen what, so far, has been a successful fundraising campaign.

After six weeks, the organization's 2007 drive for donations has been just "fantastic," according to President Scott D. Ferguson. It is $439,801 ahead of where it was this time last year and the $2,676,385 pledged represents 39 percent of the $6.8 million goal.

"The community has been very generous," Ferguson said Thursday. "Our volunteers are working very hard."

Ferguson said two upcoming promotions will give folks in the area an opportunity to have fun and help people in need.

read more>>

Highlights from week four of the 2007 campaign:

Total amount raised is $2,115,004 or 31.10 % of goal; as of this week, the
Campaign is $109,463 ahead of the 2006 Campaign. 

Two divisions have already reached their goals:

1. Phenix City and Russell County Government Employees chaired by Carol
Walls and Heath Taylor are at 123.98% of their $38,000 goal for a total of
$47,111.

2. United Way Partner Agencies in the Chattahoochee Valley, chaired by
Don Sharitt are at 105.24% of their $121,500 goal for a total of $127,870.

Download latest campaign report broken down by division.
Download the Phenix City campaign report.

Off to a rockin' start
Food, fun, purpose help drive United Way campaign
BY LARRY GIERER
Ledger-Enquirer

Scott Ferguson has been in Columbus just three weeks. Already, he faces the greatest challenge of any local United Way president.

The goal for the 2007 fundraising campaign announced Thursday is$6.8 million, a 7.9 percent increase over the $6.3 million a year ago and $800,000 more than the goal in 2005. It's the highest goal ever for the 57-year-old United Way.

"That goal speaks volumes about this community," said Ferguson, recently hired to direct the nonprofit organization. "After talking with business leaders here, government leaders, I not only think we can reach that goal, I believe we'll surpass it."

Surpassing the goal is what United Way did in the last campaign, coming in with $6,633,899.

Ferguson has been involved with United Way for 18 years and said "wow" when he saw the turnout for the kickoff.

Read the full story>>

"Don't wait to do something good," Rob Doll told a gathering of 1,100 today at the 2007 United Way Campaign luncheon shortly after announcing this year's goal of $6. 8 million, the most ambitious in the history of the local nonprofit organization.

Last year's goal was $6.3 million and more than $6.6 million was raised. "United Way is about our community coming together to increase the resources so desperately needed in order to meet the needs of our community," said Doll. "Together we have the ability to make a difference."

New United Way president Scott Ferguson said he not only feels the community can reach that goal but "I think we can pass it.

Interested in getting involved with United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley? Learn the importance of partnering with United Way and the benefits it can have for your business.