The Habersham County United Way is celebrating another successful fundraising campaign. The charitable organization held its annual meeting Thursday at HEMC in Clarkesville and announced it reached its goal of $575,000. “We’re thrilled that that happened, given the economy and the area in which we live,” says United Way President Jim Weidner. “It’s clear that this community understands the needs of their neighbors and without them we couldn’t do it.”
Ethicon, a Johnson and Johnson company based in Cornelia, again topped the donor list. The company donated $390,000 to United Way. That money comes from payroll deductions, fundraisers and corporate matching grants. Ethicon was presented with the Bill Spruill Award for outstanding commitment and dedication to the Habersham County United Way.
In all, seven businesses and organizations were recognized during Thursday’s meeting for their contributions to the overall success of this year’s fundraising campaign.
Habersham County United Way’s 2014-15 ‘Super Seven’ corporate contributors list, in order of giving:
1. Ethicon
2. Fieldale
3. Habersham County School System
4. Habersham EMC
5. Mt Vernon Mills
6. United Community Bank
7. Ten Cate
Fieldale Farms received the Bill Gaik Emerging Leader Award for its contributions to the success of the United Way Family Fun Fest and for making extra corporate donations the past two years. The Habersham County School System received the Bill Short Award for posting the greatest increase in year to year giving. The system raised 6% more this year than last.
Direct donations from individuals are also figured in to the overall fundraising effort.
The money raised will be allocated to 25 non-profit agencies in Habersham County that provide a wide variety of services to clients ranging in age from infants to senior citizens.
Online giving is an option available year round. Now Habersham features a standing link to the Habersham County United Way donation site on our home page.
