By Jackie Drake
The Daily Reflector
Thursday, July 15, 2010

Things are starting off on the right foot this year for the United Way of Pitt County.

The charitable distribution organization held its 2010 annual campaign kick-off luncheon Thursday at the Edwin W. Monroe Conference Center in Greenville. Participating in the kick-off activities were “Pacesetters,” local companies that set the example for fundraising and community contributions, Executive Director Cecelia Scott said.

“We’re very excited about our goals this year,” Scott said. “We’re going to be doing fun things to get people involved in improving the community.”

Companies have done things like provide corporate matches to employee contributions to the UWPC and sponsor special events to raise awareness about the organization’s mission.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Share your strength, shape your future” with the goal to meet today’s needs while reducing tomorrow’s. Last year, the campaign raised more than $1.6 million. After a series of community forums in April, United Way identified high school drop-out and unemployment rates as focus areas to impact lasting change to improve the overall community.

Impact teams were formed to address each effort and are planning implementation strategies. UWPC also will continue to provide basic safety net relief services to those in crisis.

The 2010 Pacesetters include the City of Greenville, Greenville Utilities, DSM, Pitt County government, Regional Acceptance Corp., Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Weyerhauser, NACCO, Southern Bank of Bethel, Cypress Glen, Monae Supportive Services and various Pitt County municipalities including Winterville, Ayden, Farmville and Falkland.

Awards also were presented at the luncheon. The 2009 Summit Award, presented to an organization that best exemplifies the vision of United Way, was granted to NACCO Materials Handling Group.

The 2009 Spirit of N.C. Award, given by the state level of United Way for campaign excellence, was awarded to Greenville Utilities Commission for the third year in a row.

The 2010 Cupola Award, given to an individual volunteer who epitomizes “living united,” was awarded to Etsil Mason of Farmville.

For more information on the United Way and the campaign, call Scott at 758-1604, Ext. 205