United Way campaign theme: Connecting the Community

GAINESVILLE - United Way of Hall County kicked off this year's fundraising campaign Thursday morning with the theme "Connecting the Community" - connecting it to a "better quality of life and connecting people with their passion to impact the lives of their neighbors."

While no specific "dollar amount" goal was announced for this year's campaign, Joy Griffin, Vice President, Resource Development, said late Thursday the agency has set out to raise "as much money as possible" to assist in meeting a goal of "improving lives for the long-term," adding, "we certainly have a goal in mind." Last year's campaign - with a goal of $1.8 million - raised $1,805,526.

David Abee is this year's campaign chairman.

So far United Way reports raising more than $499,000 in this year's campaign through the support of its Cornerstone Companies.

These companies run early campaigns and help set the pace for the new campaign year. All 16 partner agencies that receive funding from United Way of Hall County also participate in this early campaign.

This year's Cornerstone Companies are:

Bates, Carter & Co.
BB&T
Carroll Daniel Construction Co.
Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia
City of Gainesville
Conditioned Air Systems Co.
Full Media
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Hamilton State Bank
Jackson Electric Corp.
McGarity's Business Products
North Georgia Community Foundation
Northeast Georgia Health System
Partner Agencies
Peach State Bank & Trust
Regions Bank Of Gainesville
Rushton & Co.
Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles
Stifle Nicolas
Turner Wood & Smith Inc.
United Community Bank
United Way of Hall County
UPS
Wilheit Packaging Material

Also at Thursday's kickoff breakfast, Deborah Nelson and Tricia Atkins were recognized for 30 years involvement with United Way. Both are officers with United Community Bank.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/9/265516