This fall’s Rowan County United Way campaign has reached 20.1 percent of its goal, raising more than $220,000 of gifts and pledges in just a few short weeks, Campaign Chair Kaisha Brown announced on Wednesday.

Brown led the way at the campaign’s first report meeting, hosted by Ben Mynatt Nissan and catered by Debbie Suggs Catering. The goal of the campaign is to raise more than $1 million over the next eight weeks.

John Jenkins, general sales manager at Ben Mynatt Nissan, explained why he gives to United Way.

“I remember as a kid when somebody was hurting in your neighborhood, or somebody needed something, your neighbors would come together and help out the best that they can,” Jenkins said. “And that’s the thing about United Way.”

Brick Ed & More joined in the fun at the event, continuing with the campaign theme, “Building Community Together.”

Ryan Disseler, the chief operating officer of Brick Ed & More, ran an activity using Legos, demonstrating the importance of listening to each other and building together. 

Each year, Rowan County United Way gives individuals who contribute $78 or more to the campaign a chance to enter the auto giveaway. Four local car dealerships — Team Auto Group, Randy Marion, Cloninger Ford Toyota, and Ben Mynatt Nissan — collectively donate $25,000 towards a new vehicle.

At each of the four report meetings, three finalists are drawn. On Nov. 22, the finale will feature a drawing of the 12 finalists and the selection of a winner. The first three names were drawn on Wednesday to be in the running: Mary Ann Moore from Nouryon, Mason Muire from Rowan County, and Michelle Wyatt from Innospec. 

The Campaign Cabinet members provided updates on how each division of the campaign is progressing: 

• Dr. Jared Tice, Presidents: 13.6 percent, $18.085
• Johnathan Williams, Chairmans: 22.3 percent. $40,354
• Audry Eudy, Industrial 1: 9.7 percent, $4,840
• Donna Honeycutt, Industrial 2: 31.2 percent, $9,731
• Dystanie Richard, Non-Profits: 28.6 percent, $9,160
• Dale Peeler, Commercial 1: 12.01 percent, $5,002
• Kaisha Brown, Commercial 2: 2.4 percent, $1,500
• Elia Gegorek, Commercial 3: 8.4 percent, $3,753
• Peter Franzese, Public Employees: 16.7 percent, $15,924
• Carol Ann Houpe, Education: 9.3 percent, $11,853
• John Drye, Community Business: 39.1 percent, $7,112
• Kevin Auten, Special Gifts: 29.7 percent, $44,304
• Elizabeth Cook, Professionals: 21.2 percent, $17,208
• Kaisha Brown, Miscellaneous: 59.2 percent, $32,596

David Post, chair of Leadership Giving, reported that 51 individuals from the various divisions have given at the Leadership level, accounting for $71,130 of the total $221,421 raised so far.

Kevin Auten spoke of the importance of raising awareness for suicide and mental health awareness, sharing personal experiences in law enforcement. Rowan County United Way will have an Into the Light walk on Oct. 5, in order to combat the stigma of such issues.

United Way’s second report meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at noon at Team Auto Group.

In 2023, 77,304 individuals were served by 21 programs funded by Rowan County United Way. The organization also funds the local NC 211, which made 1,807 referrals to Rowan County health and human service agencies last year. 

For more information about the 2024-2025 United Way campaign or to make a gift, call 704-633-1802 or go to www.rowanunitedway.org( http://rowanunitedway.org)