UW awards

Last week the United Way of Southeast Missouri held its annual luncheon in recognition of the volunteers and donors who help the organization do important work in this community. The three awards presented are in recognition of an individual, a company and a funded partner for their efforts to advance the organization's mission.

* Bekki Cook received the Spirit of Giving Award. Cook, a former Missouri secretary of state who resides in Cape Girardeau, has played a seminal role in Read to Succeed, a volunteer-run reading program used in the Cape Girardeau elementary schools.

* US Bank was recognized with the company honor, called the Spirit of Community Award. The bank donated $12,000 in 2011, double the amount donated when it started contributing to the fundraising campaign in 1996.

* The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity received the Spirit of Caring Award. The organization donated back some of its funds provided by the United Way after the 2010 fundraising campaign came up short of the goal.

The 2011 campaign resulted in over $918,000 raised. More than 800 individuals increased their donation by at least $52.

Special thanks to the luncheon sponsors: US Bank, the Bank of Missouri. SoutheastHEALTH, Procter & Gamble and Capaha Bank. To all the donors and volunteers, thank you for your efforts. The United Way is an active community organization that's work affects a number of lives. Your generosity helps make this possible.