United Way up to $1.7 million; hopes for $2.2 million

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
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Approximately 100 United Way supporters attended the annual Wrap-Up at Holiday Inn City Center Thursday at noon.

“This is more of a thank-you than a wrap-up,” said Tom Minton, United Way executive director.

And those words were reiterated by Jim Walcott, 2010 Campaign Chairman from Weldon, Williams and Lick. Walcott thanked everyone on behalf of the:
• 300,000 people United Way touches each year;
• United Way board;
• 16 Senior Loaned Executives and 63 Loaned Executives
• 30 agencies and their board members;
• 88 individual donors at Pillar and Cornerstone level;
• 244 companies who participated in the campaign; and,
• United Way staff.

When it came to announcing results, Walcott reported that “We are at $1.7 million, about where we were last year. There are several large campaigns still in progress.” He continued, “I am hopefully optimistic we will reach $2.2 million.”

Hoping to build on this year for next year’s campaign, he offered this advice.

“We do need to preach to the choir. Don’t assume everyone knows about United Way,” Walcott explained. “Don’t assume you will always have a boss who will allow you to be a senior loaned executive or loaned executive.”

Awards given to recognize achievements in the 2010 campaign included:
• Leader’s Award – Kraft Food – Planters
• Chairman’s award – Whirlpool Corp.
• Spirit of Caring Award for raising awareness – KFSM TV-5, Rivertowne BBQ and Times Record

Division awards were given to:
• Corporate – Arkansas Best Corporation and Hanna Oil & Gas
• Education – Fort Smith, Magazine and Booneville Public Schools
• Finance and Banking – First National Bank of Fort Smith
• Manufacturing – Weldon, Williams & Lick
• Professional – Brown-Hiller-Clark & Associates
• Retail – JC Penney Company

The Thomas P. Foltz, Jr. Award was presented to Arvest Bank.

“We felt this year the need for this award to go to a company,” began Minton as he explained it is not awarded every year. Minton described Arvest’s involvement in the campaign as part of the company’s culture. “Arvest embodies service. Throughout the year they have provided 115 volunteers amounting to 562 volunteer hours. The employees talk and live United way.”