The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has announced that $2,611,724.51 was secured in pledges during the 2010 fundraising campaign. The announcement was made at the annual Community Celebration, which recognizes the achievements of United Way volunteers and corporate partners. Nearly 500 people attended the event, which was sponsored by Regions Bank, Nissan, General Mills, Alexander Automotive, and Ben and Janice McCloud of Recognition Concepts.Individuals recognized during the Community Celebration included this year’s Loaned Executives, which are employees from various companies that are loaned to United Way for assistance during the fundraising campaign while the employer continues to pay salary and expenses. The 2010 Loaned Executives were:
The top ten campaigns in order of total funds raised were also announced during the event, which included:
10. Heritage Farms Dairy, Inc. – $44,373.84
9. MTSU – $60,283.98
8. Bridgestone LaVergne Plant/USW Local 1055 – $79,454.30
7. Ingram Content Group – $101,119.06
6. State Farm Insurance Company – $109,898.88
5. Yates Services – $114,347.31
4. Nissan North America, Inc. – $138,977.00
3. Rutherford County Government and Schools – $203,366.48
2. Publix Super Markets – $252,481.80
1. General Mills – $584,683.00
The Best Overall Campaign award recipient was General Mills. The local operation increased their overall employee gift by more than 17%, increased their overall campaign total by almost 5%, had an 106% increase in leadership donors, an increase of 61% in leadership donor dollars, a nearly 80% increase in average gift, and a 17% increase in employee per capita. General Mills also provided 20 volunteers for United Way’s 2010 Day of Action, partnered with United Way to sponsor three events in 2010, and provided two Loaned Executives for the 2010 campaign.
The event’s final award, which was new this year, was the Legacy Award. The Legacy Award was created to recognize a company or organization who has consistently exemplified the utmost commitment to United Way and the community. Characteristics of the ideal recipient include consistently conducting a well-rounded campaign, participating in United Way initiatives and events throughout the year, promoting volunteerism through United Way’s service opportunities, committees, Board of Directors, etc., and consistently advocating United Way’s mission and work in the community. The award’s first-year recipient was Heritage Farms Dairy, Inc. The company has maintained 100% participation from their employees in their annual United Way campaign for 30 years.
Following the Community Celebration, United Way will host its second annual 3 Point Play meet and greet with the MTSU Lady Raiders on March 1st from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Toot’s at 860 NW Broad Street. A silent auction will be held to benefit United Way.
On March 3rd, the United Way will give away a brand new vehicle donated by Alexander Automotive. Any donor who pledged $300 or more during the 2010 campaign was automatically entered to win the promotion, and 25 semi-finalists have been selected and notified. A final winner will be announced by a reverse raffle at the give-away, which will be held at 5:00 PM at the Alexander Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealership located at 1550 NW Broad Street.
