Rowan County United Way held its second report meeting on Oct. 9. Team Auto Group hosted this exciting event and Jersey Mike’s provided lunch. Carol Ann Houpe of Rowan Salisbury Schools opened the event with welcoming remarks before introducing Ken Hyman, general manager of Team Auto Group. Hyman expressed his belief in giving back to the community and his excitement for hosting United Way. 

Following Hyman, Jim Behmer spoke on the success of Rowan County United Way’s annual Into the Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Walk, held on the previous Saturday. He noted almost a record number of walkers and emphasized that the funds raised will benefit local and accessible mental health treatment and services. 

Kaisha Brown, of the city of Salisbury and this year’s campaign chair, introduced each cabinet member by division. Each member reported on the successes of their individual campaigns and updates on their accomplishments. With the community’s help, Rowan County United Way has reached 45.8 percent of its goal, nearly halfway to its goal of over $ 1 million.

• Dr. Jared Tice, Presidents: 21.7 percent, $21,712.48
• Jonathan Williams, Chairmans: 27 percent, $48,873 
• Audrey Eudy, Industrial 1: 66.6 percent, $33,120
• Donna Honeycutt, Industrial 2: 36 percent, $11,237
• Dystanie Richard, Non-Profits: 52 percent, $16,627.40
• Dale Peeler, Commercial 1: 32.3 percent, $13,303.98
• Kaisha Brown, Commercial 2: 27.4 percent, $16,830
• Elia Gegorek, Commercial 3: 26.1 percent, $11,674.42
• Peter Franzese, Public Employees: 67.2 percent, $64,218.67
• Carol Ann Houpe, Education: 40 percent $50,874.40
• John Drye, Community Business: 46.9 percent, $8,530
• Kevin Auten, Special Gifts: 87.1 percent, $129,705
• Elizabeth Cook, Professionals: 39.3 percent, $31,795
• Kaisha Brown, Miscellaneous: 69.3 percent, $38,133.90

David Post oversees Leadership Giving, which currently includes 91 individuals from the various divisions who have given at the Leadership Level ($600 or more). Together, they have produced $237,672 of the total raised so far.

Continuing with the theme of “Building Community Together,” Ryan Dissler of BrickEd joined the festivities with a team activity using Legos that demonstrated how all aspects of the community support and rely on one another. BrickEd is a center for creative play and provides opportunities for all ages to create designs using Lego bricks and other active learning platforms. 

Those who give $78 or more to the campaign are entered into United Way’s auto giveaway, allowing these individuals a chance to win $25,000 toward a new vehicle. Four local car dealerships – Team Auto Group, Randy Marion, Cloninger Ford, and Ben Mynatt — support this fantastic incentive. 

At each of the four report meetings, three finalists are drawn. The campaign finale on Nov. 22 will feature a drawing of these 12 finalists and the selection of a winner. At the second report meeting, the following names were drawn: William Barrier of Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Eric Slipp. A third anonymous finalist was selected but opted to graciously withdraw from the running, allowing an additional giver the opportunity to have their name drawn. This name, along with three new names, will be drawn at the next report meeting and entered into a chance to win. 

United Way’s third report meeting will be held on Oct. 23, at noon. Randy Marion Honda will be hosting us, and lunch will be provided.