The Greenville News: United Way tops goal

By Angelia Davis
Originally published in The Greenville News on 11/10/2010 (Subscription required)

United Way of Greenville County exceeded its 2010 fundraising goal, collecting the largest total in the organization's 88-year history. The 2010 campaign leaders said Tuesday they had exceeded the $14.6 million fundraising goal and raised more than $14.7 million.

That represents a $700,000, or 5 percent increase, over the $14 million raised last year.

Campaign Chairman Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president of Michelin North America, said he knows “this deep level of giving” came as a sacrifice to many.

But, he said, “At a time when all of us are watching our spending a little closer, the community decided to reach out a helping hand to our neighbors, and our gift of time and money will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors across Greenville County.”

At the campaign kickoff months ago, Wilkerson and Annette Allen, campaign vice chair and general manager of Fluor Corp.’s Greenville office, said they were optimistic they would reach the campaign goal in spite of the economy and its impact on the campaign fundraising in previous years.

“We set out a stretch goal because we knew that the community needed the money and needed the support more than ever,” Allen said. “Our goal was to not retreat, to not step down on that need. We never lost sight of our vision.”

The success, she said, was a team effort — a uniting of more than 40,000 donors, 1,300 volunteers and 700 companies in support of United Way's cause.

“It's an amazing, supportive community,” Allen said. “I'm proud to be a part of it.”

Margaret Clark, United Way board chair, credited the dedication of the campaign staff, volunteers and the generosity of the community.

“I think one of the things that has happened in the last few years is so many more people have seen the difficulties that individuals, families and sometimes their neighbors face, and they understand that they need a helping hand and United Way can give that helping hand to the Greenville community,” she said.

The money raised will help United Way fund 86 local programs that work to nurture children, help and encourage youth success, strengthen families and neighborhoods, improve the community's health and assist people in times of crisis.

Clark said, “After a couple of difficult years in the community, we can only look forward to success next year as well.”

Allen, who will chair the 2011 campaign, said the bar has been set high. “I'm willing to step up and do what we have to do to continue the momentum,” she said.