Community raises record $15.2 million for United Way

United Way of Greenville County announced Thursday that the community raised more than $15,218,332 million during its 2011 campaign – the biggest total in the 89-year history of the organization.

With more than 600 volunteers and supporters on-hand, the final tally of $15,218,332 was revealed during a special celebration Thursday honoring the work and contributions of more than 700 workplaces, 1,300 volunteers and more than 36,000 donors rallying together for the 2011 campaign.

The record-breaking total surpassed the campaign’s own goal of $15 million and represents a $500,000 (3.5 percent) increase over last year’s $14.7 million effort.

“Once again, we are inspired by the caring spirit and generosity of our community,” said 2011 Campaign Chair Annette Allen, vice president and general manager of Fluor Corporation. “At a time when all of us are watching our spending a little closer, the folks in Greenville County showed they believe in United Way’s work and are willing to sacrifice to help our neighbors in need.”

Dollars raised in the campaign will be used to fund United Way’s efforts to strengthen Greenville County by: 1) helping people in need right now through the funding of 87 local programs working to nurture children, help and encourage youth success, strengthen families and neighborhoods, improve our community’s health, and assist people in times of crisis; and 2) helping eliminate future needs by building strategies and mobilizing partners to improve school readiness for young children, increase high school graduation rates for youth and create financial stability for all.

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 the two top campaigns at Fluor Corporation and Michelin North America. In September at the campaign kickoff, Fluor Corporation became the first company to surpass $1.5 million in total giving (employee giving and corporate giving). At Thursday’s final report event, Michelin North America joined Fluor Corporation by also surpassing the $1.5 million mark in total giving.

Greenville Hospital System, GE Energy and Greenville County Schools each surpassed $500,000. Greenville Hospital System employees contributed ($900,000+), GE Energy contributed a combined total of $750,000 ($500,000 in employee giving and a $250,000 corporate match), and Greenville County Schools employees generously contributed $525,000.

Additionally, more than 150 workplaces increased their giving this past year and nine companies organized United Way campaigns for the first time this year.