UNITED WAY OF BRADLEY COUNTY kicked off its campaign Tuesday with pledges totalling more than $900,000. From left are United Way President and CEO Brenda Abel, Board Chairman Terry Henry, Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam, and Campaign Co-Chairs Brenda Lawson and Tanya Mazzolini. This photograph was contributed by United Way.
Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam was the guest speaker for the campaign kickoff, where early pledge totals of $902,280 were announced by area companies serving as Pacesetter and Challenger firms. The luncheon was held at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.
“What a great start to your campaign,” Haslam said following the announcement of the early pledge totals.
These pledges were from companies serving as Pacesetter and Challenger firms, and many of the company campaigns are not yet complete.
Companies servings as Pacesetter and Challenger firms for the 2011 United Way campaign are: Arch Chemicals, Athens Federal Community Bank, Bank of Cleveland, BB&T Bank, Bradley County Schools, Brenda Lawson & Associates, Cleveland City Schools, Cormetech, Easy Auto, Hardwick Clothes, Lee University, Life Care Centers of America, Manufacturers Chemical, Peyton’s Southeastern, Pioneer Credit, Procter & Gamble/Duracell, Regions Bank, SkyRidge Medical Center, Southern Heritage Bank, SunTrust Bank, United Community Bank, Whirlpool Cleveland Division, and Whirlpool Cleveland Customer eXperience Center.
“Most of these pledge reports are still incomplete and we will have updated totals at our report luncheons,” United Way Board Chairman Terry Henry explained. “They show us what can be done in only a month and they are examples of model campaigns. They stand ready to help other companies and offer suggestions for increasing the giving, and they are strong United Way contributors. We appreciate their taking the time to start early and be ready to kick off our communitywide effort.”
Haslam said this communitywide effort, especially following the tornadoes that struck the area on April 27, is what attracted her to come here to help kick off the campaign.
United Way of Bradley County funds more than 20 agencies, programs and services that provide help to children, to the elderly and homebound, and to families.
This year’s campaign co-chairs, Brenda Lawson and Tanya Mazzolini, introduced their campaign teams, and told those in attendance how important it is to be involved in helping others.
“We know that the quality of life of our friends, neighbors, and those we don’t know personally will be impacted by the gifts donated during this campaign,” Mazzolini said.
“I know people are receiving services they would not have if it were not for United Way and the many, many volunteers who give their time and efforts to this important campaign each year and the donors who want to help others,” added Lawson. “The needs are always there and they continue to grow each year so it is important that we help our neighbors by working together to meet those needs.”
The 2011 United Way of Bradley County campaign’s schedule includes four report luncheons, the last of which is set for Nov. 16. The first report luncheon, where the Pacesetter and Challenger firms will receive special recognition, is scheduled for noon Sept. 12, at the Mountain View Inn.
