The United Way held their annual Community Celebration at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. The event Tuesday drew hundreds of community leaders from Rutherford and Cannon Counties and agencies working to help citizens. United Way CEO Megan Flippen says they're excited the community set a record giving amount, over three-point-four million dollars...
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Flippen says over the next couple of months, the allocations committee will be working with agencies to look at how effective programs are and how they align with the mission of the United Way...
For photos and more information about the United Way Community Celebration, log-on to WGNSRadio.com, keyword united.
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The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties announced today that $3,419,318.52 was secured in pledges during the 2013 fundraising campaign - a record for the local non-profit. The announcement was made at the annual Community Celebration, which recognized the achievements of United Way corporate partners and volunteers for the 2013 year. The event was sponsored by Regions Bank, Nissan North America, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, City Auto, Emergency Physicians of St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, and Embassy Suites.
The United Way also announced that $263,531 was saved by Rutherford and Cannon County residents through United Way’s partnership with the FamilyWize prescription discount program, $161,246 was invested in the community through the value of United Way volunteer hours, and $653,229 was saved by Rutherford and Cannon County residents through the VITA program, a volunteer income tax assistance program. Combined with the efforts of the 2013 fundraising campaign, United Way made a total impact of $4,497,324.52 in Rutherford and Cannon Counties in 2013.
Individuals recognized during the Community Celebration included this year’s Loaned Executives, which are employees from various companies that are loaned to United Way for assistance during the fundraising campaign while the employer continues to pay salary and expenses. The 2013 Loaned Executives were:
Part-Time Loaned Executives
Jonathan Berezo, General Mills
Laura Bohling, Rutherford County Government
Billy Bruce, UPS
Courtney Chavez, Regions Bank
Tracy Church, Nissan North America, Inc.
Jennifer Copeland, General Mills
Jeff Davidson, Rutherford County Government
Crystal McPherson, SunTrust Bank
Jennifer Meredith, Community Volunteer
Mike Panesi, Bank of America
Joi Sherrill, Keller Williams Realty
Matthew Stump, FirstBank
The top ten campaigns in order of total funds raised were also announced during the event, which included:
10. MAHLE Filter Systems North America, Inc.
9. Bridgestone LaVergne Plant and the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
8. Middle Tennessee State University
7. State Farm Insurance Co.
6. Ingram Content Group
5. Rutherford County Government and Schools
4. Nissan North America, Inc.
3. Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities
2. Yates Services
1. General Mills
United Way also recognized the best overall campaigns in each category, which were determined on various factors such as percentage increase in employee giving, percentage increase in participation, volunteering with United Way, and conducting special events to benefit United Way. Those campaigns were:
Health Services Division
Emergency Physicians of St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital
Industry Division
Standard Register
Non-Profit Division
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
Financial Services Division
Fifth Third Bank
Retail Division
Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities
Public Employees Division
Rutherford County Government
Best Public Employee Campaign
Rutherford County Government
Utilities Division
Consolidated Utility District
Education Division
Middle Tennessee State University
Major Firms Division
Yates Services
Trailblazer Award
City Auto
Ignite Award
Ford of Murfreesboro
Best Special Event
Brewsboro presented by Murfreesboro Young Professionals
Creative Excellence Award
General Mills
The school awards were as follows:
Best Elementary School Campaign
Rockvale Elementary School
Best Middle School Campaign
Smyrna Middle School
Best High School Campaign
Blackman High School
Additional individuals recognized during the Community Celebration were the Campaign Cabinet, which plays a key role in the overall planning and implementation of the United Way campaign. Jim Thompson served as this year’s campaign chair, and Campaign Cabinet members included:
Kathy Jones
Cheryl Hultman
James Evans
Charlie Myatt
Terry Cunningham
Carl Quakenbush
Felix Allen
Ross Womack
Brian Sullivan
Mike Dinapoli
Phil Holt
James Beach
Andy Womack
BobbiKay Soholt
Bryan Nale
Dr. Liz Rhea
Kirk Garrett
Matt Ledbetter
James Robbins
The 2013 Spirit of Excellence Award went to General Mills. Since its origins tracing back to the 1860s, General Mills has understood the precious opportunity and responsibility they have not only to create value for shareholders, but also to have a positive and lasting impact that extends throughout our communities. General Mills employees are engaged with United Way as volunteers, investors and advocates. General Mills supports United Way through exceptional involvement from all levels of employees. Giving through the workplace campaign and serving as volunteers, General Mills employees are directly improving the lives of others in Rutherford and Cannon counties.