United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley celebrated the end of their 2016 campaign Tuesday evening at the Courtyard Marriott in Phenix City, and revealed their highest ever campaign total of $7,123,001.
 
More than 150 guests attended the celebration, representing 68 companies.
 
“The United Way, our partner agencies and countless people throughout our community who receive benefits from our United Way are grateful for a community of caring and giving people,” said Keith Pierce, 2016 United Way Campaign Chair. “Our 2016 annual campaign raised $7,123,001 to help the people in our community who need it the most. Many thanks and much appreciation goes out to every single person who contributed to this year's campaign,” he added.
 
United Way’s 2016 campaign goal of $7,110,001 was revealed at the campaign kickoff in September. Individual donors and companies in the community exceeded that goal through payroll deductions and one-time gifts.
 
“With outstanding community-wide support of more than 16,000 contributors and over 150 companies, once again we met and exceeded our goal,” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “Because of generous donors ensuring Every1Counts, the dollars raised during the campaign will fund programs that will help those that need it most in our community. We can’t say thank you enough to the donors, volunteers, and everyone involved in making the campaign a success,” he added.
 
Loaned Executives, Employee Campaign Coordinators, and volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the campaign.
 
Phenix City Police Chief Raymond Smith was introduced as the 2017 United Way Campaign Chair.
 
Annual awards were presented to the following individuals and companies:
 
Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Zeni Travis of Regional Rehab

This award recognizes a Campaign Coordinator who champions United Way in their company and goes above and beyond to run a successful campaign. Zeni and her team rallied around United Way this year by participating in Stuff the Bus and touring United Way partner agencies. Regional Rehab raised more than $5,000 for their United Way campaign.
 
Rising Stars: Path-Tec and Exide (tie)

This award recognizes a company that displayed exceptional potential with their first United Way Campaign. Two companies received the award this year. These two companies raised a total of $35,000 for their United Way campaign.
 
Company of the Year: Phenix City Government

This award recognizes a company that runs a model campaign where employees are engaged and educated about United Way. Phenix City Government has shown year after year an increased commitment to the United Way campaign, with employees at every level consistently showing their support for United Way.
 
Change Maker Award: UPS

This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated commitment and created change in our community. UPS provided corporate support and volunteers for Stuff the Bus, and volunteered during Days of Caring.
 
Women Helping Women Volunteer Award: Sue Hall of Kodak

This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer of the Women’s Leadership Council who demonstrates a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Sue served as Service Project Chair in 2016 and donated money she was given as a result of an award she received.
 
Every1Counts Award: Publix Supermarkets

The United Way campaign theme this year was Every1Counts.This award recognizes a company that truly believes and makes sure everyone feels like they count. Between the five stores in our area, Publix Supermarkets’ campaign totaled more than $419,000, with 100 employees giving at a leadership level.
 
Life of the Party Award: Ron Wiggins of Muscogee County School District

This award was presented to Ron for his efforts and attitude as a volunteer. The Muscogee County School District’s campaign flourished under his leadership, energy, hard work and dedication.
 
Million Dollar Round Table Award: TSYS

This award was established to recognize a company that raises a million dollars for United Way during their campaign. TSYS was first recognized eight years ago as the first campaign to raise over $1,000,000. They have been the only recipient of the award to date. This year, TSYS raised $1,439,001.
 
Chairman’s Award of Excellence: W.C. Bradley

This award recognizes a company that has been at the heart of United Way for as long as there has been a United Way in Columbus. Employees at every level consistently show their support through their giving and their willingness to always go above and beyond for the community. W.C. Bradley exceeded their goal and raised nearly $450,000, their highest ever campaign total.
 
D. Abbott Turner II Volunteer of the Year Award: Wade Burford of CB&T of East Alabama.

The award is the highest volunteer honor given by this United Way. This award is presented to a volunteer who has demonstrated the highest degree of interest, personal dedication, and service in a voluntary capacity to United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. Wade has served as the Phenix City Campaign Chair, United Way Board, led the Community Investment Process, Finance Committee Chair and has helped out every campaign since in some way.