United Way celebrates successful fundraising year with luncheon

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

United Way of the Greater Tri-County Area celebrated a successful fundraising year with a big luncheon to honor their top fundraisers on Wednesday.

This year’s United Way theme was “A celebration out of this world! Don’t be left in the dark”, and the room was decked out in a variety of space-themed balloons with areas for photo opportunities. The meal included a lasagna dinner and was catered by Central Texas College.

Entertainment for the event was provided by the Palo Alto Middle School Step Team and Cheer Team. Although they named bronze, silver, and gold donors in their paperwork, they gave awards to platinum, double platinum, and triple platinum donors.

This year’s platinum donors, or groups which raised more than $25,000 included the Copperas Cove Independent School District, Central Texas College, City of Killeen Police Department, H-E-B of Copperas Cove, H-E-B of Harker Heights, and H-E-B #2 and #3 of Killeen.

This year’s double platinum donor, who raised more than $50,000 was the Killeen Independent School District.

This year’s triple platinum donors, who raised more than $75,000 were the City of Killeen and H-E-B.

“This money that was raised by this community stays in this community,” said Leslie Hinkle, United Way Campaign Chair. “The United Way gives back directly to those 21 agencies who serve the community day in and day out. They do ‘heart’ work and they also do hard work for the community.”

Kurtis Quillin, Director of Communications for CCISD, received the Platinum award on behalf of the school district.

Quillin said that as a district, CCISD raised $45,750.49. J.L. Williams/Lovett Ledger Elementary School raised the most money for the district with a whopping $20,004.

“Williams/Ledger did a wonderful job,” said Quillin. “Terri Jernigan is the United Way campaign sponsor on that campus. She’s awesome.”

The next highest was S.C. Lee Junior High School with $7,246 followed by House Creek Elementary School who donated $5,971.82.

“I think the district did great. We’re always looking to give back to the community that gives to us,” said Quillin. “We have selfless people who are always looking for ways to give…I think the people in our district were great and innovative in trying to help our community.”

Copperas Cove’s H-E-B plus! also received the Platinum Award.

“It goes directly to helping our fellow citizens,” said Billy Cotter who received the award for Cove H-E-B. Cotter said that he has been working for H-E-B for 22 years. Cotter said that it’s important to pay it forward whenever you have the opportunity. He added that you never know when you might be down on your luck, and it is you that needs the help. “I think United Way is great.”

Aaron Montemayor, executive director for United Way of the Greater Tri-County Area, said that he believes that they will be able to meet their goal of $400,000 once all the final numbers come in. As of Wednesday, the total was a bit more than $375,000.

“It seems like there’s been more enthusiasm and excitement this year,” said Montemayor.

Funds raised by United Way will go towards helping the local community.

Our local United Way currently supports 21 programs, each of which meets at least one of four focus areas including basic needs, education, financial independence, and health.

“It goes to serve local needs…The things that we support go towards child services to later life services and everything in between,” said Montemayor. “It’s a perpetual need, but you try to make an impact.”