Greenville News editorial: Thousands helped United Way's 2010 campaign

Originally published 02/04/2010 in The Greenville News (subscription required)

Two of the Upstate’s anchor employers received much-deserved recognition for the effort they put into making last year’s United Way fund-raising campaign a record-setting success.

At its annual awards celebration last month, the United Way of Greenville County recognized Fluor Corp. and Michelin North America for their significant contributions that led the way toward the campaign’s record $14.7 million in contributions. Each of the two companies accounted for more than $1.43 million in donations, including corporate and employee contributions, to share the United Way’s #1 Award for overall contributions. Fluor’s employees led the way when counting employee-only contributions, with the company’s workers contributing more than $946,000 to win the #1 Award for the largest employee-only campaign.

As always, though, the United Way’s 2010 campaign was not an individual effort, nor does its success rest on the shoulders of just one or two of the region’s employers. All told, the organization recognized more than 36,000 donors and 477 workplaces for their role in the 2010 campaign.

The amount of money that was collected and will be distributed to charitable organizations throughout the area is testament, once again, to the overwhelming generosity of the Greenville area and all of the Upstate. Even in a time of economic strife, area residents reached deep into their pockets and gave what they could to help those in the community who have less. This is the type of spirit that contributes to the immense livability of Upstate South Carolina.

Five other Upstate companies were recognized as #1 Award winners for having the top employee contributions in their category. Those winners included:

• Two to 24 employees: Integrated Power Systems LLC, which raised $35,005.

• 25-99 employees: Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A., $86,069.

• 100-199 employees: Canal Insurance Co., $148,596.

• 200-499 employees: Baldor Electric Co., $149,479.

• 500-1,000 employees: Michelin Americas Research Co., $263,411.

Other awards given included:

The Campaign Award of Excellence that went to 339 companies and organizations that met two or more of these requirements: A 10 percent increase in employee giving; $100 or more employee per capita giving; 50 percent or more employee participation; one or more Palmetto Society members (those who contribute $1,000 or more); and 50 percent of the contributors giving at least 1 percent of their annual salary.

The Chairman’s Award that was given to 94 organizations that met four of the criteria listed above.

The Campaign Award of Advancement that was awarded to 72 organizations that had a 25 percent increase in employee giving; and 24 organizations that had a 25 percent increase in employee participation.

The Campaign Premier Award that went to the 15 companies that completed a workplace campaign for the first time.

Dick Wilkerson, president and chairman of Michelin North America and chairman of the United Way’s 2010 campaign, summed up this year’s generous giving well in a news release. Wilkerson said, “When this community is faced with a challenge, when it sees clearly the level of need being experienced by our friends and neighbors and understands how United Way is working to help, the people of Greenville County will respond in record fashion.”

Of course, this community responds to those needs in a vast number of ways. But these awards highlight one significant and very important way the community reaches out to help the needy, and everyone who contributed deserves a hearty pat on the back and a great big, “Thank you.”