|
United
Way campaign in Gwinnett
hits record $4 million last year
By Bill McCargo
Chairman, 2001 United Way Campaign in Gwinnett
Special to GwinnettForum.com
DULUTH, MARCH 8, 2002 ---- It was my pleasure last
year to serve as chairman of the United Way in Gwinnett campaign.
For the first time, the campaign surpassed $4 million, raising $4,120,000
to support the numerous programs in our community. The $4.1 million
is a new record for United Way giving in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett should be proud of the support from companies, individuals
and professional organizations that supported the campaign. As we
all know, this was a tough year, with the economy down, and because
of the impact of Septmber 11. However, the people of Gwinnett proved
again that "Gwinnett is Great." In the face of difficult
economic times and the tragedy of September 11, our community joined
together to support not only the victims of 9/11 but to remember
the needs of individuals at home.
Over 200 companies support the United Way campaign through corporate
contributions and payroll deduction donations from the employees.
Although each company is support is vital, I would like to recognize
a few for their outstanding efforts.
The number one contributor is Quik Trip. Quik Trip employees generously
donated $234,162 and the company matched that dollar for dollar
for a total of $468,324.
The Gwinnett County Public Schools joined together to contribute
$415,000 from employees and students.
Other outstanding companies include Federated Systems Group, Primerica
Financial Services, Scientific Atlanta, Rock-Tenn Company, NCR Corporation,
Nordson, and Gwinnett Health System. A special thank you to all
the volunteers who were a part of the campaign. This is certainly
a team effort and the campaign cabinet volunteers played a vital
role in this success.
The community should be proud of the United Way campaign and what
it achieved. Unfortunately, the needs in our community continue
to rise each year. United Way is focused on making our community
a stronger, safer place to live.
This is achieved through helping to provide affordable, quality
preschool and child care; safe, structured, after school programs;
parenting skills and knowledge; employment and training opportunities;
micro-enterprise development; affordable home ownership; and meeting
basic needs.
Chuck Button of Jordan, Jones, & Goulding will chair the 2002
Campaign. Plans are underway now to pave the way for another successful
campaign to support the needs of the community.
In case you did not get a chance to make your contribution or are
interested in getting involved with United Way, call 678-417-6434.
To learn more about United Way, visit their website at www.unitedwayatlanta.org.
Let me once again thank all the many individuals, companies and
teams that helped put the 2001 United Way Campaign over the $4 million
mark in Gwinnett County!
Click
here to read other community commentaries...
|
Number
1.88, March 8, 2002
