Staff report
The Rowan County United Way finished at 84 percent of its $1,776,000 goal.
The results were announced at the final campaign report meeting Monday at the American Red Cross.
Ronnie Smith, who led the meeting, commended Campaign Chair Dr. Alan King for his leadership role in the campaign and thanked him for a job well done.
King   was ill and not at the meeting.
The United Way will take donations until the end of the year.

There were many factors that influenced this year’s campaign, Smith said, the state of the economy being the largest.
He also recognized the volunteers, agencies and staff members for their efforts. Smith thanked the entire community for support of United Way and member agencies.
Burt Brinson, president of the United Way board of directors, said, “We knew this would be a difficult year for us. In spite of that, the Campaign Cabinet took an aggressive goal. We feel good about the results.”
The Executive Committee will meet next week to discuss the best way to proceed in assisting the agencies as they continue providing services to Rowan County.
The committee will make recommendations to the board at the December meeting.
Before the division reports, Smith introduced Brian Miller, a longtime volunteer and new city executive for BB&T, which sponsored the luncheon.
Miller gave Smith a check to assist with the campaign.
“I hope this is the beginning of a long relationship. I learned immediately after coming to BB&T there has been an ongoing relationship with United Way. I was very pleased to hear that,” Miller said.
After acknowledging United Way member agencies and the Public Relations Committee, Smith called on campaign cabinet members to give reports for their divisions.
Jim Whitton, chairman for Special Gifts, drew a laugh from the crowd as he joked, “The people in my division do not have to be worried about being laid off because they are all retired.”
Whitton reported a total of $147,133 or 107.4 percent of the goal.
Michelle Patterson of Patterson Farms and chairman of the Commercial III division reported she was at 97.7 percent of the goal. She promised the crowd her division would make goal by the end of the year.
This was a good year for the three commercial divisions. Commercial I and II led by Melonie Thompson of the Salisbury Police Department and Ann Eidson of F&M Bank both reached their goals.
Dr. King later said, “As I reflect upon the campaign, obviously we all would be feeling much better had we reached 100 percent of our goal. I am however so proud of the generosity that so many individuals and companies have displayed. We are all fortunate to reside or work in a very caring community. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve our citizens through volunteering as the United Way Campaign Chair this year.”
He said the campaign cabinet did an unbelievable job.
“They have never given up, and many are continuing to find another gift or two. The United Way staff is certainly to be commended for their hard work and dedication,” he said.
“During the first training session I picked up a quote on the campaign video, ‘When we help others, we make our lives stronger.’ ”
King said he posted the quote in his front pocket calendar, which he opened numerous times during the day.
“This quote has served as an inspiration to me and proven to be right on target. I have observed my life and many others grow stronger by helping those in need. If you who have not taken advantage of the opportunity to give, it’s not too late. I remain optimistic that through late gifts we will continue to grow closer to achieving our goal. Miracles do occur, prayers are answered, and many people are counting on us,” King said.
The amount of money raised by each group in the campaign:
– President’s ó $194,484.02, or 69.5 percent.
– Special Gifts ó $147,132.60 or 107.4 percent.
– Professionals ó $94,089.11, or 90.5 percent.
– Chairman’s ó $297,936.90, or 66.7 percent.
– Public Employees ó $142,211.70, or 109.4 percent.
– Community Business ó $4,585, or 91.7 percent.
– Industrial I ó $59,782.03, or 72 percent.
– Industrial II ó $58,170.26, or 68.4 percent.
– Commercial I ó $65,260.05, or 100.4 percent.
– Commercial II ó $85,704.04, or 100.8 percent.
– Commercial III ó $76,672.89, or 99.6 percent.
– Education ó $209,907.13, or 95.4 percent.
– Miscellaneous ó $56,525.11, or 97.4 percent.