Community raises $14 million for United Way

United Way of Greenville County announced Thursday that despite a national recession and tough economic conditions locally, it raised its third highest total ever during its 2009 community campaign at more than $14 million.

The final tally of $14,057,213 was revealed during a special luncheon Thursday celebrating the work and contributions of more than 700 workplaces, 1,300 volunteers and 40,000 donors in the community.

Campaign Chair Howard Boyd, a partner at the Greenville law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, said although the campaign fell short of its ambitious goal of $14.6 million and overall giving was down 2.5 percent from last year, the effort was a success.

“There have been challenges along the way, but we have been inspired by the spirit of this community and the sacrifices so many have made to join us in this effort – $14,057,213 is an astounding sum. It’s a strong testament to this community’s generosity and caring spirit. It will ensure United Way of Greenville County can continue to do essential work here at home, helping thousands upon thousands of our friends and neighbors live better lives. And that has been our goal all along.”

Campaign cabinet member and Greenville City Manager Jim Bourey added that “this community’s spirit of responsibility and generosity has remained outstanding. Despite – or maybe even because of – hard times in the local and national economy, many in our community have answered the call to help as their friends and neighbors see an increased need for the kind of services provided by the United Way and its partner agencies.”

During Thursday’s event, campaign leaders highlighted some of the success stories from the more than 700 workplaces running campaigns. Chief among those stories were three organizations that

For first time in the organization’s 87-year history, two campaigns went over the $1 million mark. Combining employee contributions and corporate gifts, Fluor topped that impressive milestone for the second consecutive year with $1,320,301. They were joined by Michelin North America, which went over the $1 million mark for the first time with its employee campaign and corporate contribution totaling $1,163,472.

“The people of Fluor and Michelin have a strong history of supporting United Way and this community,” said Boyd. “The employees and corporate leaders at both companies continue to demonstrate a great compassion for Greenville County and inspiring generosity.”

Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center provided another record as its campaign became the first employee-only campaign to reach $900,000. GHS finished with more than $926,000 – an increase of 26 percent over its 2008 effort of $733,043.

“Greenville Hospital System employees continue to show they are deeply committed to providing the best services to our community, both through their own work and through their support of United Way,” said Boyd. “This year’s outstanding increase in giving shows providing care is more than just a job for GHS employees and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”

Dollars raised in the campaign will fund United Way’s two-pronged approach to strengthening communities across Greenville County by: 1) helping people in need right now through the funding of 92 local programs; and 2) helping eliminate future needs by addressing “root-cause” issues of school readiness for young children, increasing high school graduation rates and improving overall financial stability.

United Way is currently overseeing a competitive application process for its next three-year funding cycle. Seventy-six agencies have applied for the 2010-2013 funding. United Way staff and community volunteers will review the applications and make funding recommendations to the board of trustees in March.

At the close of Thursday’s luncheon, Boyd thanked the community for its continued support of United Way of Greenville County.

“It has been a great honor to serve as this year’s campaign chair and to be able to witness the astounding generosity and compassion of this community first-hand,” he said. “On behalf of United Way of Greenville County, its volunteers and partner agencies, I thank you again for your continued support. United, we have made a difference.”

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