United Way campaign clears goal, raises over $1.9 million
Published 12:10 am Saturday, November 15, 2014
- Nancy Goodson was the winner of a new Chevrolet car in the Rowan United Way Campaign. She stands, in the center on the left, with Louise Klaver who was the runner up for the car. Michelle Patterson on the right is drawing the winning name. photo by Wayne Hinshaw, for the Salisbury Post
The Rowan County United Way concluded its fundraising campaign with a celebration Friday.
And it had a good reason to celebrate.
A total of $1,953,734.15 was raised during the campaign, well over the United Way’s goal of $1.879 million.
The final amount was announced during the campaign’s finale at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA.
“It’s all about caring,” Greg Dunn, this year’s campaign chairman, said. He praised all the volunteers who helped make this year’s campaign a success.
“It’s a great pleasure to work with these people,” Dunn told the crowd as the campaign team stood with him on the podium.
Rowan County United Way supports 15 agencies that serve the county: American Red Cross, The Arc Rowan, Boy Scouts, Communities in Schools, Families First, Family Crisis Council, Literacy Council, Meals on Wheels, Rowan Rescue Squad, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, Salvation Army, Trinity Living Center, Vocational Opportunities, Youth Services Bureau and the Hurley Family YMCA.
The money raised through the campaign will fund those agencies next year.
Jackie Harris, with the United Way, said she’s thankful for everyone who donated this year. She also expressed her gratitude for the work Dunn has put into the campaign.
“Greg Dunn has been phenomenal. He has given so much of his time and so much of his talent. I’m really grateful,” she said.
As part of the campaign, people who’ve donated $52 or more have their name put into a drawing for a free car. This year’s winner was Nancy Goodson of Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. The dealership drawn for the car was Team Chevrolet.
Four auto dealerships — Ben Mynatt Nissan, Gerry Wood Auto Group, Cloninger Ford Toyota Scion, and Team Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, will split the cost of the car.
Wilson Cherry, with Rowan Vocational Opportunities Inc. was honored with the “Jackie” award for his work during the campaign. The award is named after Jackie Harris.
“The hand that’s extended to give is always in the best position to receive,” Wilson said.
Speaking about Wilson, Dunn said, ” I look at him as an inspiration.”
Last year, the campaign raised about $1.83 million.
