United Way campaign results, awards announced at meeting

The United Way of Southeast Missouri presented results of its 2013 campaign, and several people were recognized at its annual meeting at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau on Thursday.

"This event is an opportunity to recognize all of you," said Mike Smythe of KBSI, who hosted the event.

"We cannot possibly function without each and every one of you," said Kevin Greaser, president and treasurer of the SEMO United Way board. "We just want to say thank you for what you do."

Greaser announced results of various programs, including the chapter's Read to Succeed program. He said volunteers contributed 13,000 service hours at a more than $300,000 value. The organization also raised $990,700 in campaign contributions.

"We're on our way to $1.3 million," Greaser said. "We can't be more proud."

The United Way of Southeast Missouri presented its Spirit Awards on Thursday. Recipients include, from left, Spirit of Community: BioKyowa associates Krystal McBenge, Pat Feeney, Shawn Meadors, Brendan O'Shaughnessy, Joel Melka, Tony Scheffer, Charlie Goodpasture and Connie Hargrove; Spirit of Caring: Becky Atwood; Spirit of Giving: Darrick and Monique Johnson. (MARK BLANTON ~ photos @semissourian.com)

The organization also gave several awards to various recipients.

Smythe conferred three Spirit Awards at the event, which are presented to individuals, companies and United Way partners.

The Spirit of Giving Award is presented to someone who has shown a strong commitment to United Way's mission by giving time or money. Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the SEMO United Way, presented the award to Darrick Johnson of Procter & Gamble and his wife, Monique.

Monique Johnson is "admired by all of us coming into contact with her," Smythe said. She has been the program director of Read to Succeed for the past two years. Darrick Johnson previously served as the 2012 campaign chairman for the SEMO United Way.

Darrick Johnson said after the event he and his wife have contributed to the organization for 20 years and have been members of the Cape Girardeau community for six years.

"We feel fantastic," Darrick Johnson said after the event. "It's a very nice tribute."

Helping with the United Way "just helped me to get acclimated to the community," Monique Johnson said. "It's a very caring community."

The Spirit of Community Award is presented to a company that supports United Way and promotes health and well-being. Jernigan presented this year's award to representatives from Biokyowa Inc.

"They serve our community very well," Smythe said. Biokyowa has raised more than $100,000 for the United Way since 2007 and has been the lead sponsor for the organization's annual golf tournament since its inception.

The Spirit of Caring Award is presented to a United Way partner that supports the agency and has helped improve quality of life locally. Jernigan presented that award to Becky Atwood of the Cape Adult Education and Literacy Center.

SEMO United Way also presented an award to Jeanne Muckerman of Banterra Bank, who served as the campaign chairwoman for the organization in 2013.

Also recognized was Jay Wolz of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. He is retiring from the organization's board and received a silver star.

After the awards were presented, Jernigan recognized the United Way's staff, referring to them as the "hardest working bunch of do-gooders you'll find anywhere."

"Not-for-profit work is amazingly satisfying," Jernigan said. "We do it because of the joy it brings to us."

The SEMO United Way also recognized the top 20 company campaigns for 2013, which contributed nearly 70 percent of the total money raised, according to a news release.

Companies recognized were Procter & Gamble, Mondi, the Cape Girardeau School District, Ameren Missouri, AT&T, the Jackson School District, The Southeast Missourian, SoutheastHEALTH, Schnucks, Bank of Missouri, KFVS12/The Heartland CW, the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University, Biokyowa Inc., US Bank, Montgomery Bank, United Parcel Services, PolyOne, Regions Bank and Gerdan Slipforming Inc.