United Way Reaching Out to Community - There is Still Time to Give

UNITED WAY REACHING OUT TO COMMUNITY – THERE IS STILL TIME TO GIVE

 

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala….January 14, 2014...United Way of Marshall County is seeking additional community support in order to reach its campaign goal of $725,000.  To date, the organization has raised an estimated $618, 750 reaching 85.34 percent of its overall goal.  United Way of Marshall County helps to support 21 local nonprofit agencies and groups.  These agencies provide direct services to Marshall County residents in need.  In order for United Way and its partners to continue providing these services, it is important that this year’s campaign goal be met. 

The 2013/2014 United Way campaign which began in August 2013 has been led by Campaign Chair Steve Marshall and a co-chair from each of the major cities in Marshall County:  Mike Price (Citizens Bank and Trust) in Albertville, Ed Childress (Syncro Corporation) in Arab, Steve Davis (bpimedia group) in Boaz and Charlie Williams (Citizens Bank & Trust) in Guntersville.  To aid in the effort, United Way has once again called upon its corporate and community partners to lend their brightest and best employees to serve as Campaign Loaned Executives.  This team of community professionals gives their expertise and energy to assist United Way in the development and implementation of its workplace campaigns.  They spend countless hours in the fall contacting companies and conducting employee campaigns throughout Marshall County.  This year’s Loaned Executives are:  Dr. Raymona Bevel (CAJA), Monica Hill (Marshall County 4-H Clubs), Juana Macias (Cooperative Extension Service), Lance Morgan (ProPac Images), Tim Patterson (Earthlink Business and Foster and Adoptive Parents Association), Annette Searels (Citizens Bank & Trust), Thomas Snellings (PowerHouse Gym) and Lauren Whitlock (Arab Chamber of Commerce).     

“Loaned Executives are the lifeblood of every campaign.  We couldn’t do it without them,” explained United Way Executive Director Jeannie Lyle.  “This year’s group consisted of some of the most talented, energetic and hard-working Loaned Executives that I have had the pleasure to work with during my tenure. We are so appreciative of their time and commitment.”

United Way of Marshall County provides funding for 21 different agencies and programs.  The original concept of United Way was to provide one fundraising campaign that would support multiple needs and agencies.  While this concept is still in place today, United Way is much more than just a fundraising organization.  The United Way of today is looking toward making an impact in the lives of people served through United Way funded agencies and programs.  In fact, more than 33,000 local residents will have used United Way partner agency programs this past year.  United Way strives to focus on agencies and programs that are improving lives in the areas of education, income and health which are the building blocks of a good life.  The United Way partner agencies and programs are as follow: 211/First Call for Help, 4-H Clubs of Marshall County, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, CASA, CAJA, Child Advocacy Center, Child Development Centers, Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Family Services of North Alabama, Food Bank of North Alabama, Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, Hospice of Marshall County, Marshall County ARC, Marshall County Home Place, Meals on Wheels, RSVP Tax Prep Program, Shepherd’s Cove, The Salvation Army, TVFS/Ogden House Shelter. 

“This year’s group of Loaned Executives has worked really hard and I am so appreciative of their time.  We are hopeful that we will meet our campaign goal but we still need the community’s help to close the gap.  We are asking everyone who believes in helping their neighbors to contribute what they can,” commented 2013/2014 Campaign Chair Steve Marshall.  “To those that have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s campaign, we sincerely appreciate your gift.  It will impact the life of someone in Marshall County struggling with a critical need or issue.”

The final report of funds raised will be reported to the community at United Way’s Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration which will be held Thursday, February 27 at the Guntersville Senior Center. 

If you have not already supported this year’s United Way fundraising campaign, the Board of Directors and Campaign Cabinet invites you to participate.  Gifts to United Way are used here in Marshall County.  For more information or if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, contact the United Way office at (256) 582-4700, visit their website at www.uwaymcal.org or send your pledge directly to United Way of Marshall County at 709 Blount Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976.