On Tuesday, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley celebrated a new record-breaking campaign total Tuesday night, at Troy University, Riverfront Campus.  Steve Davis, Columbus Water Works President and Campaign Chair announced to a crowd of nearly 200 donors and volunteers that United Way raised $7,104,343 through its 2015 annual campaign.
 
“Thanks to our donors and volunteers for all of their efforts in enhancing our community, it has been a tremendous year of outstanding leadership,” said United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s President and CEO, Scott Ferguson. “Each individual’s generous support affords us the opportunity to continue our effort in supporting local agencies that help re-build our local areal.”
 
“I want to show appreciation for the exceptional campaign actions of every volunteer and donor contributing to this amazing city.” said Steve Davis, 2015 Campaign Chair. “Working together to support United Way puts substantial means to work that enables programs to help students graduate, help individuals and families leave poverty and live better lives.”
 
Outstanding volunteers and companies were recognized at the event for their contributions to the campaign efforts. The first award was presented to the campaign coordinators of the year. Dr. Bindlea Griffin of Phenix City Public Schools and James Fuqua of Pratt and Whitney were chosen for coordinating an unbelievable campaign within their company.
 
Ferguson presented several annual awards for outstanding companies that made a tremendous impact within the campaign.
 
The Client Speakers Award was presented to Margalena Remington, Feeding the Valley and Kendall Barfield, Easter Seals.  These individuals continued to share their story during the campaign this year.  
 
The Rising Star Award was presented to Russell County School District.  Through the entirety of their campaign this year, this company showed a passion and enthusiasm to learn about United Way and support what we do in the community. Their Leadership and campaign coordinator worked closely together to plan a campaign that included agency tours, a leadership meeting and upcoming volunteer projects.
 
Small, Mid-Size, & Large Companies of the Year Award recognized three companies who ran model Campaigns in which employees are engaged and educated about United Way. Each of these companies stood out in their category. Columbus Water Works (Large); Robinson, Grimes & Company, CPA’s (MidSize); and Brasfield and Gorrie (Small).
 
WLC “Women Helping Women Volunteer Award” was presented to Susan Wiggins, WC Bradley for her desire to make a difference in the lives of women in our community and for all she does to make the Power of the  Purse Luncheon a success.
 
Going Above & Beyond Award was presented to Tana McHale, Pratt and Whitnney for going above and beyond to make a big difference in our campaign this year.  
 
The Live United Award was presented to TSYS.  They demonstrate a collective “team spirit” for United Way.  Year after year they exceed expectations and continue to go the extra mile with strong volunteer support, exciting United Way special events and leadership giving meetings this year helped them to raise the most ever.
 
The Chairman’s Award of Excellence was presented to Muscogee County School District for exceptional campaign performance, volunteer commitment and support and for raising more this year for United Way than ever before.
 
The President’s Award was presented to Synovus, CB&T/CB&T of East Alabama. They have shown year after year an increased commitment to the United Way Campaign. The employees on every level consistently show their support for United Way, through their giving and their willingness to always go above and beyond for our community.
 
The D. Abbott Turner II “Volunteer of the Year Award” was presented to Billy Blanchard, CB&T, this is the highest volunteer honor given by United Way.  This award is for demonstrating the highest degree of interest, personal dedication, and service in a voluntary capacity.
 
“I am very grateful to live in a community with so many giving individuals,” said Davis.  “Working on United Way’s Campaign gives people hope for a better life. I’m honored to be a part of an organization that helps people with everyday challenges.”

The celebration concluded with the announcement of Keith Pierce, Executive Vice President of TSYS as the 2016 Campaign Chairman for United Way.