For the fourth consecutive year, the United Way of Richland County has achieved its campaign goal. During the annual awards dinner Thursday, it was announced that the community helped raise $1,650,155, which is $155 over the 2013 campaign goal.
United Way Executive Director Bob Maxey noted that the campaign goal has increased steadily over the past three years; in 2013 it increased by $50,000 because the 25 partner agencies requested for more financial support, he said.
A countdown prefaced the announcement of the campaign total and a projector screen flashed the final amount, causing the crowd to erupt in applause. “It’s quite a compliment to our community,” Campaign Co-Chair Bridget McDaniel said. “We’ve had four successful campaigns in a row, and we’ve actually increased and met our goal by over $100,000 in three years.”
Among those cheering in support were several government officials including Rep. Mark Romanchuk, Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, Shelby Mayor Marilyn John, Judge Heather Cockley, Commissioner Ed Olson, and Commissioner Gary Utt, as well as members of United Way partner agencies, pacesetter companies, and staff.
Speaking to those who belong to the 25 different United Way partner agencies, McDaniel said, “You’re why we’re here tonight…The tasks you perform are truly inspirational and it’s just wonderful that in any of our times of need there are agencies and folks like you.”
United Way donations help support the partner agencies, which serve the Richland County community. Such agencies include the American Red Cross, Friendly House, Catholic Charities, and the Mansfield YMCA.
Maxey announced that the top five companies that donated to United Way campaign were AK Steel, Richland Bank, Therm-O-Disc, MedCentral-Mansfield Employee Civic Fund, and CenturyLink. This was the second year for CenturyLink to be the number one contributor, said Maxey.
Collectively, the top five companies raised $444,533, and the top 25 companies contributed $947,439.
Richland Bank President John Brown discussed United Way’s commitment to the community and said, “It is this unwavering commitment to a mission of advocacy and stewardship of ensuring my contribution is impactful that has led to my long-term support of United Way.”
He presented a challenge to all of the business leaders and owners in the room to consider having their company participate in a “fair share campaign.” “Fair share giving allows for a one-time sign-up for contributions to United Way. Six to one percent of each paycheck is contributed to the United Way,” he explained.
“A commitment to this approach eliminates the need for full-blown annual campaigns and has led to something that I’m very proud of…Richland Bank has 95 percent participation in the United Way giving and 86 percent participation as fair share givers.”
Outgoing campaign co-chairs Gary Baumberger and Bridget McDaniel announced that Col. Gary McCue of the 179th Airlift Wing and Matt McClester, field representative for Allied Craftworkers, will serve as the 2014 campaign co-chairs.
On a parting note, McDaniel said, “Thank you for your continued support of United Way. Altogether we make Richland County a wonderful place to live.”
“The tasks you perform are truly inspirational and it’s just wonderful that in any of our times of need there are agencies and folks like you,” said Bridget McDaniel.
