United Way raises $6,529,707

United Way raises $6,529,707

en Armstrong, United Way of the Big Bend president, had a sigh of relief last week when the community campaign came to an end. However, Wednesday evening he was filled with excitement to announce the final total dollars raised from the 67th Annual United Way of the Big Bend Community Campaign.

“I think we felt a lot of pressure this year,” Armstrong said. “We felt that we might have gone backwards. All the signs were there.”

While about 200 community supporters of the United Way gathered at Chez Pierre, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and sipping wine, pale ales and cocktails, the magical number was unveiled — $6,529,707.

It matched the previous year’s campaign effort, but was short of this year’s goal of $6,789,100.

“The community sees the United Way as a barometer of how they are doing,” Armstrong added. “That goes back to the pressure that we felt. You don’t want to let the community down. Today was the biggest feeling of relief.”

During the celebratory event representatives from various entities in the Big Bend were recognized for their hard work and contributions.

The Pinnacle Award, presented to the largest contributor, went to Publix in recognition of support from the company’s area locations. The stores’ donations totaled $535,000.

Florida State University won the Pillar Award, the second-highest honor for giving. FSU set a record, raising more than the university ever had before with its contribution of $443,000.

“We tried to motivate and remind staff of how significant their contribution could be,” said David Perry, FSU chief of police and FSU campaign co-captain with FSU Provost Larry Abele. “There’s an extreme sense of pride and respect for the employees for reaching into their pockets and giving.”

Florida A&M University also beat its record for giving with a contribution of more than $88,000 — a feat that Armstrong said was “cool” being that both universities had stepped up.

Other area donors were represented as well. Willy Gamalero, Madison County campaign chair and one of the “Most Outstanding Neighboring County Volunteers”, was very pleased with their overall contribution, considering the economy.

“We raised just over $100,000 this year,” he said. “We had tremendous support from the bottling plant, Nestle Water. They still managed to raise a significant amount of the total despite the massive layoffs at the plant. I think the people in Madison County realize the various ways the United Way helps them. When trouble comes, they believe that help will come from the United Way agencies.”