The United Way Campaign Kick-Off luncheon was held in the clubhouse ballroom at Governors Club Thursday, September 5 and hosted over 130 people.
United Way hosts the annual event to celebrate the prior year’s fundraising campaign and to kick off the upcoming year’s campaign. The event featured retired WRAL news personality Bill Leslie as emcee, after the originally scheduled Kathryn Brown was re-assigned to cover Hurricane Dorian. The keynote speakers were Unite Us Community Engagement Manager Georgina Dukes who introduced NCCARE360, the first statewide coordinated care network to assist healthcare providers and human service agencies with connecting people to the resources they need for a more holistic approach to improve health. NC 2-1-1 Statewide Strategy Director Heather Black joined her to discuss how the two resources work together to increase access to services for those in need. Musical entertainment was provided by Sue Wilson on the hammered dulcimer and Betsy Kraus on the concertina.
There were 15 displays set up by United Way member agencies that portrayed the programs and services provided by the agencies and supported by United Way campaign contributions. Sponsors for the event included: Briar Chapel by Newland Communities, Chatham News + Record, Duke Energy, Governors Club, Laurels of Chatham and Realty World Carolina Properties.
Many businesses and volunteers were recognized for their participation and efforts in the United Way annual campaign. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office received recognition for 100% participation last year, as they have for the last thirteen years. Chatham Hospital and Chatham County Schools received the “Greatest Employee Spirit” Award. The Chatham County Employee Campaign was recognized for having the largest campaign increase.
United Way is the advocate and the benefactor to 15 outstanding human service agencies. They are: 4-H, Boys & Girls Club, Chatham Cares Pharmacy, Council on Aging, Literacy Council, Communities In Schools, Partnership for Children, Chatham Trades, CORA Food Pantry, El Futuro, Legal Aid, Rebuilding Together of the Triangle, Salvation Army, The Learning Trail, and the West Chatham Food Pantry.