UNITED WAY CELEBRATES CAMPAIGN ACHIEVEMENT
United Way of the Eastern Panhandle Holds Annual Celebration for Community
MARTINSBURG, WV— United Way of the Eastern Panhandle officially closed the 2020 Community Campaign with its Annual Celebration, held virtually on Wednesday, June 30. The meeting was an opportunity for United Way to review the year, recognize award winners, and salute partner agency representatives and supportive businesses and individuals for their contributions to the United Way campaign.
During the event, CEO Penny Porter highlighted the achievements of the community campaign and announced a fundraising total of $1,165,803 for the 2020 campaign year. All funds raised will be invested in local community programs and initiatives addressing critical needs in the areas of education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.
The campaign achievement included results from the 2021 Unity Campaign. In its second year, the fundraising campaign, designed to empower nonprofits in their own fundraising efforts, resulted in a community investment of $529,743.47. The total Includes $220,000 in matching funds secured by United Way of the Eastern Panhandle and distributed to participating agencies.
Rising Star Awards were presented to thirty-three area businesses that achieved a 5% or more increase in campaign contributions.
The Spirit of Giving award was presented to Adams Law Firm, City National Bank, CNB Bank, Hollywood Casino, Orsini’s and WVU Medicine in recognition of efforts and contributions that exemplify the spirit of philanthropy.
Karen Richards of CNB Bank was honored with the Campaign Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedication and commitment to the success of the community campaign.
Cindy Smalley of WVU Extension Service was awarded the Marvin J. Yurish Spirit Award for her outstanding work that has made a profound difference in the lives of Eastern Panhandle community members.
Jonathan Agee of Jefferson Security Bank was presented with the Lieutenant General William J. Van Ryzin Award for his outstanding achievement in maintaining and developing the organizational effectiveness and capacity of United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.
The top three employee workplace campaigns were Gold Award: Procter & Gamble; Silver Award: Potomac Edison; Bronze Award: City National Bank.
United Way of the Eastern Panhandle also recognized its Top 20 Most Generous Companies during the celebration. The list included workplace campaigns, Unity Campaign support, and sponsorships. United Way of the Eastern Panhandle’s Top 20 Most Generous Companies were: Procter & Gamble, Potomac Edison, United Bank, City National Bank, BCT (Bank of Charles Town), CNB Bank, Orgill, Inc., Citigroup Operations Center, Valley Health, WVU Medicine, Jefferson Distributing, Fedex SmartPost ,UPS, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Farmers & Mechanics Mutual Insurance Co., Bresler Family Foundation, The Journal, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, UAW/GM Local #1590, and Pikewood Media Group, home to West Virginia Radio Corporation and Pikewood Digital.
Outgoing Board Chair, Rebecca Linton was recognized for her leadership during the 2020-2021 fiscal year and passed the ceremonial gavel to the incoming Board Chair, Jenn Williams.
“While this year was certainly a challenging one, it has also been a year of opportunity for us to reconnect to our purpose of improving our community and helping those in need. Our campaign was a reflection of neighbor helping neighbor – and every donation allows us to invest even more back into the Eastern Panhandle.,” said Porter, “We are grateful to every donor and volunteer who joined us this year in our campaign and in our pandemic recovery efforts.”
United Way of the Eastern Panhandle ended the campaign year by awarding grants to 33 local agencies through its Community Solutions Fund. The new 2021 Community Campaign will begin with the 27th Annual Day of Caring on September 14, 2021.