News

Lucky donor wins 2013 Dodge Dart

Jerry Johnson was happy to hear his number called announcing he had won a new 2013 Dodge Dart. Johnson was one of 17 finalists among new donors and donors pledging at least 10 percent over their 2011 donation eligible for a weekly drawing over the last 17

By Bill Moss, Published: January 18, 2013

A Blue Ridge Community College employee won a 2013 Dodge Dart as the United Way of Henderson County celebrated the 2012 campaign and handed out awards for the top companies, volunteers and campaigns at Friday at Lake Pointe Landing.

More than 170 volunteers, business representatives and community members attended the event, sponsored by Lake Pointe Landing. The campaign raised $1.7 million.

"We are proud to celebrate our accomplishments today," said United Way Executive Director Ruth Birge, noting that the 2012 Campaign does not officially close until March 31. "We will continue to reach out to this community for further support. The programs of our Funded Community Partners are absolutely vital, and it's our responsibility to do everything we can to support their work."

The grand finale of the event was the final drawing of the United Way/Egolf Motors Car Giveaway.
Jerry Johnson of BRCC was the grand prize winner and drove away in the brand new 2013 Dodge Dart, generously given by Egolf Motors.

Sixteen finalists received consolation gifts including car washes, oil changes, and $500 coupons toward the purchase of vehicles from Egolf Motors, as well as LIVE UNITED items from United Way.

Laresa Griffin, director of Resource Development and Marketing at United Way of Henderson County, thanked Jeff and Jay Egolf for adding excitement and energy to this year's campaign.

"It was so thrilling to finally draw the grand prize winner but the truth is, everyone in our community is a winner right now," she said. "Together we have accomplished so much to advance education, income and health in Henderson County."

BRCC president Molly Parkhill applauded the achievements of the past year.

"We've seen 47,404 positive results this year, including: at-risk youth are reaching academic success, improving grades, and graduating from high school on time; adults are gaining self-sufficiency, securing employment, and obtaining permanent housing; and low-income, uninsured individuals are able to access critical medical prescriptions to improve their health."

Greg Burnette, city executive of First Citizens Bank & Trust and chair of the 2012 Campaign, thanked everyone who contributed this year, helping to raise over $1.7 million.

"While United Way did not set a specific financial goal for this campaign, our true goal is to advance Education, Income and Health in Henderson County, making this a stronger community for everyone," he said.

Burnette gave credit to United Way's volunteers for the impressive accomplishments of the 2012 Campaign.

"While it is a privilege to be Campaign Chair, it cannot be done alone. We are fortunate to have a highly motivated and dedicated team of volunteers who devote hours of their time to United Way as Campaign Cabinet members, Loaned Executives, and Employee Campaign Coordinators. We are so grateful for their commitment. Without their dedication we would not see this level of success in our fundraising efforts."

The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award for 2012 was presented to Renee Kumor by Charlie Cranford of Morrow Insurance Agency. The award recognizes a Henderson County resident who supports United Way of Henderson County, works with other local nonprofit organizations, and who best exemplifies the community leadership and generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. Mark Morse, 2013 Board Chair said, "Renee has truly set the example for leadership in our community. Her selfless gifts of time and energy to United Way and a multitude of other nonprofits have resulted in a stronger community for everyone."

Top winners of campaign awards included Wilsonart International, largest overall donation; Pardee Hospital, outstanding employee giving; GE Lighting Solutions, outstanding corporate giving; Melanie Matteson, Kimberly Clark, volunteer of the year; Coats North America, Kimberly Clark, Western Carolina Community Action, model campaign award; Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe, WTZQ 1600 AM, Egolf Motors, Advancing the Common Good Award; Mountain 1st Bank, Live United Award; Sharon Pressley, Haynes Wire, outstanding employee coordinator; and Cheryl Gudger-Thompson, Salvation Army, campaign speaker award.

Double Digit Awards for increasing donations by 10 percent or more went to Blue Ridge Metals, Borg Warner, Boys & Girls Club, Children & Family Resource Center, Community Foundation, Eaton, Avery Creek; Eaton, Haywood Road; First Citizens Bank, Harris Teeter, Healing Place, Henderson County government; HomeTrust Bank, State Farm Insurance, TD Ameritrade; Times-News; Todd A. Webb CPA; Western Carolina Community Action.