United Way Once Again Exceeds Goal!

Contact: Scott Ferguson,
706-327-3255 Ext.216

Billy Blanchard, 2009 Campaign Chair announced to a crowd in excess of 200 at the campaign celebration that the goal of $6,450,000 was exceeded by over $218,725 for a total raised of $6,668,725. “We set the community goal based upon personal visits with over one hundred business, civic and community leaders. In many cases these companies, individuals and employee groups gave more than expected which enabled us to not only meet but exceed our goal” said Blanchard. Blanchard further stated, “The residents of the Chattahoochee Valley once again responded to our message that when you give to the United Way Campaign you help to ensure that programs that are truly changing people’s lives are there when needed.” He added, “Without the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, United Way Board of Directors, Loaned Executives and partner agencies we could not have done so well and to them all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley continues to outperform hundreds of other United Ways across the nation. “Not only did people respond to the outstanding community need by giving to United Way, Federal employees also responded by giving to the Combined Federal Campaign, raising an additional, $1,108,242 – the most ever raised by the CFC campaign. The United Way manages the CFC Campaign, and the combined giving between the two ranks our local United Way as number 96 of 1,250 United Ways.” Stated Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of the United Way. Ferguson added, “Thank you sometimes doesn’t sound strong enough for the sincere gratitude we feel for such an accomplishment. I value each and every person’s sacrifices that they have made to help us be successful, whether it be as a volunteer, community leader or contributor.”

When you give to the United Way local volunteers review each and every funding request to ensure that your money, combined with the gifts of over 20,000 other people, is filling a need in our community and is demonstrating positive results on people’s lives. The United Way ensures that partner agencies are good stewards of your money.

Other than announcing the total amount raised; volunteers were recognized as well as several outstanding companies. The Chairman’s Award of Excellence was given to the company that had the most outstanding campaign of the year. Historically this company has conducted a great campaign and giving back to their community is a part of their corporate culture. Collectively they exceeded their goal by $66,000. This year’s winner was The Synovus Family of Companies.

The Spirit Award recognized a company that truly embodies the “spirit” of the United Way. It is not just about the money, but how the company encourages employees to volunteer on a yearround basis. This year’s winners were Columbus Consolidated Government and Phenix City Government.

The Rising Star Award recognized a company that met and exceeded their potential. Their determination and inspiration showed when they exceeded their goal by 280%. This year’s award went to Carmike Cinemas.

TSYS was awarded the Million Dollar Round Table – Last year they were the first campaign to raise over $1,000,000 and they out did themselves again this year raising even more $1,081,000. “Success is easy to measure by the impressive amount of money raised,” stated Abbott Turner, Chair of the United Way Board of Directors, but he added, “ because of the continued generosity and the confidence in what we do, the community will continue to have vital health and human services.” Turner announced that Dr. Timothy Mescon will be the 2010 Campaign Chair.

About the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley
United Way improves lives and builds a stronger community by bringing people and resources together from across the Chattahoochee Valley region. United Way partners with 25 agencies providing 47 programs in Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Russell, Stewart, Talbot, and Taylor Counties in Georgia and Russell County in Alabama.


< Back