United Way gives Spirit Awards at annual meeting

An individual, a business and a community organization were recognized for their commitment to the mission of the United Way of Southeast Missouri during the organization's annual meeting and Spirit Awards presentation Thursday at The Venue.

The Spirit of Giving Award was presented to Larry Dunger; the Spirit of Community Award was presented to AT&T Missouri; and the Spirit of Caring Award was presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

"We have too many families struggling in our community, and, as much as we have all done, there is still so much need," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of United Way of Southeast Missouri.

Those recognized show a strong commitment to the mission of the United Way, said Mike Smythe, the United Way board member who presented the awards.

Dunger served on the United Way board of directors for nine years and now serves on its allocations committee. He was chairman of the 2002 fundraising campaign and served as president of the board in 2005 and 2006. Dunger worked through the United Way to create a partnership between the Cape Senior Center and the Scott City Senior Center.

AT&T Missouri has contributed more than $175,000 to the local United Way in the past 10 years. In 2009, AT&T awarded the United Way a $50,000 grant to develop strategies to increase parent involvement with students in eighth through 12th grades. The United Way used the funds to hire a parent liaison to work with local families and students.

Big Brothers Big Sisters now serves more than 300 local children. The organization's ABC program emphasizes improving school attendance as well as good behavior and improving grades.

"Working hand in hand with the Cape public school system to pilot the program proved to be a big success and proved that mentoring does, in fact, make a difference," Smythe said.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

80 Independence Center, Cape Girardeau, MO