United Way celebrates 2014 campaign work

At Thursday's 2014 United Way of Southeast Missouri campaign celebration, members of the organization expressed how much they have to be thankful for.

To date, $912,383 has been raised in the 2014 campaign, with a few more donations yet to be reported, 2014 campaign chairwoman Brandy McIntire said. The event was held at Cape West 14 Cine.

McIntire also said through United Way's community engagement work, more than 13,000 volunteer hours have been recorded in the United Way's Read to Succeed and navigator programs. She estimated the value of these volunteer hours at more than $300,000.

In the future campaign, United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan said she hopes to emphasize the word "compassion" and its meaning.

"Compassion matters," Jernigan said. "We must never forget to be compassionate, because that is what makes a community."

Since its inception in 1954, the United Way of Southeast Missouri has raised more than $25.5 million. It funds programs such as the LIFE (Leading and Inspiring Families to Excel) initiative, Read to Succeed, Opportunity Community, First Call for Help and Success by 6.

Jernigan announced Thursday that for the first time, the United Way is presenting its Fran Rediger Award of Excellence for the Read to Succeed program at the annual GRACES luncheon in May.

GRACES Women's Leadership Council was created to provide opportunities for women to become engaged in United Way's work and strengthen families in the community.

The award was named after Rediger, who volunteered for the Read to Succeed program for many years. She died in February, and this award will be given out May 7 by her husband, Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger, to an outstanding volunteer in the program.

2015 campaign celebrations co-chairwomen Benjie Ferguson and Lee Ann Tally also were announced; both work at The Bank of Missouri. Between the two of them, they have more than 20 years of experience working with United Way.

"We look forward to getting acquainted with the new ambassadors," Tally said. With a laugh, she promptly began asking for donations for the 2015 campaign.

Teresa Haubold of the Cape Girardeau School District was recognized as this year's Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator for her 22 years of service.

Nicholle Hinkle, director of donor relations, said during Haubold's first campaign, she raised just under $2,000. This year, she brought it about $26,000.

Many businesses and volunteers were recognized throughout the ceremony, and the top 20 campaigners were honored for their efforts. These companies were responsible for 70 percent of the year's total giving.

In the annual WOW awards, given for largest percentage increase in employee giving, Exel was recognized for a 128 percent increase; highest per capita giving went to Ameren Missouri for $303.89; and the largest increase in leadership society membership went to Southeast Missouri State University and UPS, each increasing by three more members donating $500 or more per year.

Jernigan also mentioned in addition to bringing a United Way club back to Southeast Missouri State University, the university is discussing the possibility of beginning a food pantry on campus for struggling students.

Through the United Way's initiatives, 99 percent of the 200 students served annually in the Read to Succeed program advanced their reading levels, 88 percent of the 5,000 at-risk youths participating in youth programming are on track to graduate, 13,000 people's basic needs were met, and more than 21,000 people were served through the United Way's various programs.

All the speakers emphasized what an effect United Way has had in the community and how working with it has benefited their individual companies as well. Together, more than 3,000 donors work with the United Way.

"What better feeling can you have than being a part of something that's bigger then yourself?" Jernigan said.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

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United Way also recognized their Top 20 Campaigns. These 20 companies made up over 70 percent of this year's total giving.

1. Procter & Gamble

2. Ameren Missouri

3. The Bank of Missouri

4. Cape Public Schools

5. AT&T

6. Schnucks

7. Jackson School District

8. Southeast Missourian

9. KFVS12/The Heartland CW

10. SoutheastHEALTH

11. Southeast Missouri State University

12. City of Cape Girardeau

13. BioKyowa

14. Montgomery Bank

15. UPS

16. Isle Casino Cape Girardeau

17. Regions Bank

18. USBank

19. Commerce Bank

20. PolyOne

AND

Some of the United Way successes from the past year:

*99 percent of children in the Read to Succeed children advanced their reading level 1 grade; 200 students are served annually.

*88 percent of at-risk youth being served by United Way funded youth programming are on track to graduate with nearly 5,000 being served.

*98 of 114 parents of students at-risk became more engaged in their student's education to help them succeed.

*13,000 people's basic needs were met.

*The graduation rate in Cape Public Schools increased to 84 percent; 87 percent for six year graduates.

*441 individuals/families were assisted with their goal to be self-sufficient.

*4,291 senior citizens were provided services to allow them to live independently.

*More than 21,000 people were served through United Way funded programs.