Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Local News: United Way kicks off fall campaign (09/10/10)

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United Way of Bedford County kicked off its fall fund-raising campaign on Thursday with an appreciation luncheon at H.V. Griffin Park for participating companies and contributors.

Attendees at the United Way of Bedford County appreciation luncheon enjoyed chicken breast, rice and salad, along with other treats. More than 80 attended the event.
(T-G Photo by John I. Carney)

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The luncheon included the recognition of last year's award-winning campaigns. Only one of the four awards went to a for-profit company. Bedford County Government was recognized with the Derryberry Award for having the best United Way campaign among organizations with 100 or more employees, while the Center for Family Development -- itself a United Way agency -- won the Advocate Award for the best campaign among organizations with fewer than 100 employees.

Shelbyville Government was recognized for having the most campaign growth over the previous year -- 64 percent -- while Josten's won the award for best campaign kickoff event.

The luncheon was made possible by Tyson Foods and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

United Way raises funds through payroll deductions at various employers, as well as from one-time contributions and special events, and distributes them to various local health and human service agencies, making it possible for an employee to support many different agencies with a barely-noticeable weekly gift deducted from a paycheck.

The decisions about how to allocate the funds are made by an a committee of local volunteers, who review funding requests and interview agency directors.

This year, United Way is funding 19 different agencies, one of which has two separate projects being funded. The agencies range from 4-H to the Senior Citizens Center and from the Alzheimer's Association to Bedford County Rescue Squad.

United Way of Bedford County has set a fund-raising goal for 2010-2011 of $165,000, according to executive director Dawn Holley.

"The decision was made to be realistic due to the economic situation in our community," said Holley in an e-mail. "The 2009-2010 campaign raised $160,000. We are extremely appreciative of the efforts so many individuals and companies made for the greater good of United Way and its partner agencies. We have high hopes of reaching this new goal due to the generous, concerned nature of the citizens of Bedford County."

Connie Boutwell chairs the United Way board, with Tonya Davis serving as this year's campaign chairman and Mike Clements as allocations chairman.