By Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.com
Dr. Jerry Chandler received the annual Helping Hand Award for outstanding service at Wednesday’s annual meeting of the Rowan County United Way.
In presenting the award, outgoing President Kim Shore said many people worked hard on the 2008 fundraising campaign. When volunteers and staff looked at the criteria for the annual award, however, he said, “one person stood out among the rest.”
Chandler, vice president of administration, human resources and advancement at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, “gave his time and talent to many areas of Rowan County United Way,” Shore said.
After serving six years on the United Way board of directors, Chandler took a year off, then returned last year. He has served as vice president of agency relations for two years, chairman of the Service Above Self Youth Awards for four years and has been on the campaign cabinet for three years.
“He is always willing to help and always has a positive attitude no matter what the situation,” Shore said.
Also at the meeting, 12 of the 16 Rowan County United Way agencies received Distinguished Agency Awards for going “over and above to assist United Way with different areas related to the campaign, marketing and other activities.”
Started four years ago, the award was worth $1,000 for the first two years. Last year, the board decided to increase the amount to $5,000 if agencies could reach nine of 10 criteria.
This year’s winners were: Meals on Wheels, The Arc Rowan, Adolescent Family Enrichment Council, The Salvation Army, Abundant Living Adult Daycare, YMCA of Rowan County, Youth Services Bureau, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center (the only agency to meet all 10 criteria), Rowan County Rescue Squad, American Red Cross, Communities in Schools and Rowan Vocational Opportunities.
Contact Kathy Chaffin at 704-797-4249.