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United Way supporters raise $6.3 million for local human services

Roanoke, VA—United Way of Roanoke Valley announced an increase of almost $100,000 on Feb. 15 as about 350 supporters gathered at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2006 community campaign.   

United Way of Roanoke Valley Campaign Chair Harold McLeod, Wachovia Market President, reported that the Power of One campaign is projected to raise $6,301,027.

“We set out on this campaign last fall with the intent of raising more money than in 2005 and I’m grateful to everyone who helped to meet the challenge,” said McLeod. “What matters is how the money will be used, because our real goal is to help people and improve lives.”

McLeod noted that the campaign set records from the start, kicking off on August 30 with $1.2 million from Pacesetter campaigns and other early gifts. “That’s the largest pre-kickoff total in recent history, and it set the stage for these outstanding results we celebrate today,” he said. Traditionally, United Way campaign season begins after Labor Day.

Already work has started to assemble volunteers for the community investment process of deciding how to share funds raised among health and human service programs operated by United Way partner agencies. “This is the real heart of United Way work and a great way to see how we get the most value from every donated dollar,” McLeod pointed out.

During the celebration to honor volunteers, donors and companies that help United Way, more than 100 awards were presented. Top honors went to the following:

The Rutherfoord Companies of Roanoke received the Spirit of Community Award, given to a company showing extraordinary support to United Way and the community. The company’s workplace campaign raised almost $38,000, a 16 percent increase from 2005, sparked by creative activities that combined fun and fund raising. Employees also donated hundreds of hours to support local community service projects for United Way and its partner agencies and other charities.

Carilion Clinic and Advance Auto Parts were honored with Milestone Awards for their campaigns that exceeded half a million dollars. Carilion’s $550 thousand was the largest campaign total in its history of employee giving.

Cornerstone Awards for campaigns raising from $250,000 to $499,000 went to Norfolk Southern and Wachovia Bank.

The Community Builder Award was presented to Danielle Yarber, United Way board member and general manager of xpedx. She was cited as a champion for early childhood care and education, from leadership of the local Success By 6TM initiative to her service on Virginia’s Early Learning Council and Early Learning Foundation.

The themed Power of One Award was earned by 20 companies who accepted the campaign chair’s challenge to give one percent of salary.

McLeod presented Campaign Chair Awards to six companies for outstanding campaign achievement: Carilion Clinic, Cox Communications, Kroger, Novozymes Biologicals, the Western Virginia Water Authority and WDBJ7.

The award for Outstanding First Time Employee Campaign went to Altec Industries, Inc. which contributed $38,000 of the total $50,000 raised by all companies conducting their first workplace campaigns.

The Shining Star Award for a United Way Partner Agency that excelled in supporting the 2006 campaign went to Goodwill Industries.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of more than 25,000 local citizens who care about our community,” said Frank Rogan, President and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley. “By working together, we are better able to bring about positive change, to strengthen our community as we improve individual lives.”

“What matters is that we are working together on a shared vision, to be a place where all children and youth can succeed, all families are strong, all seniors live with respect and dignity and everybody has the means to support themselves and a decent place to live,” Rogan added.

Funds raised during the United Way campaign are invested in health and human service programs in Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke counties, and Roanoke, Salem and Vinton. The organization’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people in our community.