Local Companies celebrated at United Way of the Midlands Live United awards
March 19, 2018
United Way of the Midlands recognized hundreds of organizations and individuals for their generosity at the Live United Awards ceremony on March 1 at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.
Companies across the Midlands were celebrated for their contributions, employee participation and volunteerism. The ceremony was led by 2017-2018 campaign committee co-chairs Joan Gabel, Provost, University of South Carolina and John Singerling, President, Palmetto Health.
“As a long-time supporter of the United Way, it was such a pleasure to work beside Joan as Co-Chairman of the Campaign Committee. It gave me a whole new appreciation of the time and effort put forth by the employees of our local companies to raise funds and personally invest in United Way of the Midlands because they understand the impact the organization has on their community,” said John Singerling, President of Palmetto Health.
Although the campaign year does not end until June, the event signaled an important milestone for this year’s campaign by recognizing local businesses that completed their fundraising by January 15.
Among the awards given were two Community Champion Awards and the Division Chairman Awards. United Way recognized BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, a campaign which raised more than $2.4 million, as the Community Champion for Most Dollars Raised; Publix was honored with the Community Champion Award for Best Overall Performance raising over $600,000. AVANTech, Nelson Mullins, Elliott Davis, International Paper, Komatsu, Palmetto Imaging Technology, Richland School District Two, Southeastern Freight Lines and University of South Carolina were recognized as the Division Chairman Award winners for having the most outstanding campaign in their respective divisions.
“The impact each of these companies brings to the Midlands through raising money to support the mission of United Way is incredible,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “United Way of the Midlands is the only organization that acts as a convener in the community by bringing people, organizations and resources together to address the most critical needs of the Midlands. I am humbled by the generosity of the companies recognized tonight and thankful for their employees’ participation to make a positive impact in our community.”
The funds raised through the annual campaign allow United Way to award grants to community impact partners, as well as invest in services and programs to meet the most pressing needs in the areas of health, education and financial stability. Community volunteers in three councils focused on Education, Financial Stability and Health develop and review a community-wide needs assessment to determine key issues in the community. Based on priorities, opportunities and resources, the councils offer competitive grants to United Way’s local Community Impact Partner agencies who best address the need.
About United Way
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.
