United Way Kicks Off 2008 Community Campaign
(Greenville, SC)…More than 1,400 volunteers and representatives from local businesses and organizations were on hand today as United Way of Greenville County officially kicked off its 2008 Community Campaign. Clemson University Men’s Basketball Coach Oliver Purnell provided a motivational keynote address that illustrated the importance of giving back to your community and ensuring that services are available to help individuals, families and neighborhoods in need.
“Today is an important day for our community,” said 2008 United Way Board Chairman Tami McKnew, of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP. “It’s important because of the work that this campaign will support here in Greenville County. Reaching out to people who have immediate, basic needs—like shelter or a meal for a homeless family—is vital. United Way is committed to supporting programs that work within the critical areas of Children, Families, Health, Youth and Crisis to provide an important foundation for a caring community.”
“But, beyond those basic services, United Way also works to address the bigger, deeper issues,” McKnew said “For instance, what are the root causes that lead 30% of Greenville County students to make the decision to leave school before graduating?...that leave 42% of Greenville households unable to afford a 2-bedroom apartment at fair market value?...that leave 500 children unprepared to start kindergarten each year? These issues are bigger than any one person or organization can resolve, but United Way is committed to investing more time and resources on these challenges.”
McKnew also introduced 2008 Campaign Chairman Judy Alexander, of Dixon Hughes PLLC, who outlined that achieving this year’s campaign goal would be a challenge; but it was a challenge that together we could meet. “Today, members of our community are dealing with the additional financial strain caused by—among other things —increased fuel and food costs. While this overall higher cost of living is certainly being felt by most of us, there are many in our community who are dealing with tremendous challenges every day—challenges that can not be overcome without the much-needed, critical assistance provided by the programs United Way contributions support. So this year, perhaps more than any in recent memory, it is even more important that we give, and give generously, to support these programs. If you've never given before, please consider making a gift this year. You will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.”
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the results of the 2008 Pacesetter Campaigns. Pacesetters are those companies that ran workplace campaigns early, both to get the campaign off to a running start and challenge other companies to participate in workplace campaigns. 2008 Campaign Vice Chairman Howard Boyd, of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A., recognized this year’s Pacesetter Campaigns.
“The 21 Pacesetter Campaign results showcased today represent a terrific start for United Way’s 2008 community campaign,” said Boyd. “To date, these companies, through their employee campaigns, have raised $2,856,127 (19% of the $15 million goal). Many thanks to these companies and their employees for their hard work and their unparalleled giving spirit.”
Special recognition was given to Fluor Corporation for their campaign results. "It is with great excitement and gratitude that I am able to share with the community that Fluor Corporation, through its outstanding Pacesetter employee contributions and its generous corporate gift, becomes the first company ever in Greenville County to surpass $1 million dollars in contributions to United Way," Boyd said. "Please join me in thanking them for their commitment to making a difference in our community."
For the 12th consecutive year, Erwin-Penland, Inc. has provided pro-bono creative input and direction to help United Way tell its story in the community. At Kickoff, Joe Erwin, President of Erwin-Penland, Inc. unveiled the 2008 video and print campaign, “You Choose,” which will be used to illustrate the positive, long-lasting impact donors can have when they contribute to United Way. Real stories of real people right here in Greenville County are at the heart of this year’s campaign.
The 2008 United Way of Greenville County campaign runs through October 31, 2008, with a final report meeting scheduled for November 10, 2008. Please call 864.467.3537 to find out how you and your company can get involved.
