District beats United Way goal Dennis Erby, President of Columbus/Lowndes United Way, claps as United Way Director Jan Ballard hugs Marilyn Agnew, United Way coordinator for the Columbus Municipal School District. / Kelly Tippett
The Columbus/Lowndes United Way is $73,500 closer to its goal, thanks to the Columbus Municipal School District.
Columbus schools presented a check for the money to United Way Director Jan Ballard and President Dennis Erby Tuesday at Brandon Central Services. The district smashed its goal of $62,000 in three months of fundraising from September to December.
"Giving has to take place for us to reach our full potential," said Columbus High School Principal Craig Shannon. "We do whatever is best for the children, some of whom in our own district will receive this money."
Ballard said the donation put the United Way over $500,000 in contributions for its 2009 campaign. The umbrella agency, which funds 18 nonprofit agencies, is hoping to raise $600,000 in order to avoid cutting budgets.
City and county government campaigns are still ongoing and the United Way is seeking a $50,000 state Department of Human Services grant.
"We're optimistic," Ballard said of whether she expects to reach the $600,000 goal.
She emphasized that it's not too late to contribute to the 2009 campaign. Donors can visit www.unitedwaylowndescounty.org to make a contribution.
The United Way is also seeking volunteers to help with its January allocations, which will be preceded by audits of each individual agency by volunteer groups. Training is provided for allocation volunteers, but individuals must sign up by Jan. 5.
Marilyn Agnew, Shannon's administrative assistant, served as United Way coordinator for the district. She set the goals for each school in the district, of which all but two met or exceeded those goals.
"It means a lot to me that you don't want to disappoint me," Agnew told district administrators at a luncheon Tuesday at Brandon Central.
After receiving their goals, each school was free to raise funds however it chose. Administrators at McKellar Technology Center sold popcorn. Fairview Aerospace and Science Magnet School threw a Michael Jackson fundraiser dance. Hunt Intermediate School hosted a talent show.
"You can determine a lot about a community by what they give," CMSD Superintendent Del Phillips told the assembly at the luncheon. "Often times, the people who have the least gave the most. I'm just so proud to be around people who understand the concept of giving."
The Columbus/Lowndes United Way funds local agencies such as Contact Helpline, the American Red Cross, the Community Volunteer Center, 4-H of Lowndes County, Helping Hands, the Salvation Army and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
I do not support United Way because of their relationship ties and support that have been broken with the Boy Scouts. They do alot of good work--but my money is spent on principles and morals. google it and you will see the problem.
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