|
Zana Renfro, United Way interim director,
gives opening remarks Thursday night during the
Victory
Celebration, but is interrupted by pickets Pam Sloan
(left) and Farrah Stewart. The picketing was a
spoof of the Hollywood writers’ strike for the
Hollywood-theme celebration. |
The contribution totals for the
United Way of Paducah-McCracken
County’s Victory Celebration had to
be changed Thursday, when more
than $4,000 in donations came in at
the last minute.
“We didn’t know the final total
until two minutes before,” said
Zana Renfro, interim director.
The campaign raised $1,066,263.52, an almost 5 percent
increase over the previous year.
About 300 members attended the
celebration at First Baptist Church
of Paducah. The room was decked
out in a “movie premiere” theme,
with donated award decorations
and famous movie songs that played
as plaques were awarded.
“We’re not stingy, but we’re careful
stewards of every dollar,” said
David Comperry, a board member.At the sitdown dinner, young volunteers
from the church acted as
wait staff, dressed in metallic blue
vests and bow ties.
Presenters talked about 2007 as a
year of change for the organization:
with new leadership, new ideas, and
new focus areas.
“The most significant aspect of
2007 is that it’s been a year of transition,”
said Ted Hutchins, president.
The members talked about implementing
a “community impact”
model for the upcoming year.
Renfro explained: “To get to the
root of the cause. Instead of just giving
money, encouraging people to
continue their education, and parenting
classes.”
She said that emergency assistance
would always be available,
but that counseling would go along
with it.
Farrah Stewart and Cherry
Brown helped contribute to that
goal. After they starting working
at Fort Services, they brought the
United Way to colleagues’ attention,
helping to raise $3,500 in one week.
“It’s because of what United Way
does,” Brown said. “It’s close to my
heart because of the lives it touches.”
Fort Services received the newcomer
of the year award.
Other awards were given to
USEC, industry of the year; Farley
Elementary, school; Heartland
CARES, human service organization;
Paducah Bank, major commerce;
Ingram Barge, waterways
company; City of Paducah, government
agency; Western Baptist
Hospital, health service organization;
Paducah Power, public service
organization; TVA, combined federal
campaign eagle award; Katie
Thompson, special recognition for
outstanding service to the combined
federal campaign; Regions
Bank, largest increase in employee
giving (117 percent); Paducah
Bank, best year-round promotion
of United Way; and Renee Baugher
of Paducah Remediation Services,
employee coordinator of the year.
More than 100 companies were
recognized for averaging a $40 per
employee contribution.
“It’s a great way to end a season,”
Renfro said. “People were generous
this year, and we appreciate that.”
|
