Ormsbee Robinson was the organizer of the first United Way campaign in Fearrington, which helped to solidify United Way’s presence in Chatham County. As a founder, he helped lead the group that built a vision for this United Way, developed the bylaws and created the operating standards. Ormsbee exemplified selfless giving and committed service to Chatham County through United Way.
The Ormsbee Robinson Award, established in his memory in 1996, is given by the United Way Board of Directors every year to those who have demonstrated Ormsbee’s legacy of strong leadership and long-standing commitment to the United Way and its mission.
The Board of Directors is proud to announce that this year’s honoree is Joan Zollinger. Joan has been an active community member and United Way supporter for almost 20 years. In 2013, she started the Galloway Ridge resale store, which netted $12,000 the first year of operation. Proceeds support the Galloway Ridge Benevolent Care Fund and the Employee Emergency Relief Fund. To date, the Turnaround Shop has provided a total of $61,000 to these two funds.
Joan was also instrumental in establishing the Galloway Ridge Employee Scholarship Fund. This year, $52,000 was awarded. Joan helped to start the summer camp program at Galloway Ridge for Boys & Girls Club participants. The program offered young people summer activities that they may not have had access to otherwise. Joan is also an active volunteer at her church, where she serves as an ordained Deacon.
Joan is a role model through her dedication to volunteerism and civic engagement. Joan’s service to Chatham makes her an asset to our community and a valued friend of United Way.