United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley celebrated the end of its 2017 campaign Tuesday evening at the Martin-Idle Hour Park Community Center in Phenix City, and revealed their 2017 campaign total - $6,939,736. More than 170 guests attended the celebration.
 
“Exceeding this year’s campaign goal shows us how incredibly generous and compassionate our community is,” said Phenix City Police Chief Ray Smith, 2017 United Way Campaign Chair. “We are so grateful for the dedication of all the volunteers of our community. Without their efforts, none of this would have been possible. There were some challenges along the way, but we pulled through and exceeded the goal,” he added.
 
United Way’s 2017 campaign theme was “Different Stories, 1 Community.” This year’s campaign goal of $6.9 million was revealed at the campaign kickoff in August. By working together, the community exceeded that goal.
 
“We’re very fortunate to have a community that is concerned about helping those that need it most. Many local companies stay engaged with United Way year-round by encouraging their employees to not just give but to volunteer through our Volunteer Center,” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “We all have a Different Story, but we are a part of 1 Community. United Way supporters are rewriting the stories for those that need it most in our community by turning sad stories into happy stories through giving to United Way,” he added.
 
Randy Burt, District Manager of Publix Supermarkets, was introduced as the 2018 United Way Campaign Chair.
 
Special recognition was given to the following companies:
 
Million Dollar Pillar: TSYS

$500K Community Builder: Aflac and Synovus

$250K Community Samaritan: Pratt & Whitney; Publix Supermarkets; W.C. Bradley Co.

$100K Community Patron: City of Phenix City; Columbus Consolidated Government; Columbus Water Works; Muscogee County School District

$50K Community Collaborator: Alexander Electric Company; Columbus Regional Health; Flournoy Companies; J. Smith Lanier & Co.; JBA Capital

$25K Community Innovator: A-Com Enterprises, Inc.; AlaTrade Foods, LLC; Columbus Hospice; Eastman Kodak; EXIDE Technologies; Hughston Clinic / Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital; Robinson, Grimes & Company, CPAs; Russell County Sherriff’s Office; St. Francis Hospital; Thayer Companies; United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley; WestRock
 
Annual awards were presented to the following individuals and companies:
 
Returning Rising Star Award: EXIDE Technologies
 
Women United Volunteer Award: Tami McDonald of Brookstone Wealth Management
 
Million Dollar Round Table Award: TSYS
 
Chairman’s Award of Excellence: St. Francis Hospital
 
D. Abbott Turner II Volunteer of the Year Award: Bob Kidd of Hecht Burdeshaw Architects
 
The Best Seller Award: Thayer Properties
 
Tale of Two Cities Award: Muscogee County School District and Phenix City Schools
 
Outstanding Corporate Partner Award: Pratt & Whitney
 
President’s Award: Phenix City Government
 
Community Champion Award: Columbus Water Works