Hopkins County United Way campaign workers turned in $25,548 in pledges and donations over the last week. That brings to total collected as of the fourth campaign workers report meeting Tuesday morning, Oct. 22, to $71,361.26, about 43.25 percent of the overall $165,000 campaign goal.
“We are so grateful for every bit,” said HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning.
Campaign workers reported several of the packets turned in this week met the goal requested for HCUW. A few donors went above the call, contributing over the amount asked, including Highlander Training Center, Hampton House, Tire Town, Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, Debra Giles Insurance, 4 Paws, Advantage Copy Systems, Town Square Antique Mall and Janeen’s.
Linda Galligher turned in an $8,125 donation from Alliance Bank. Employees far exceeded their goal, contributing $4,625 to HCUW. Alliance Bank corporate contributed another $3,500.
Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported Tim Glenn was not able to be present at the campaign meeting because he was at City National Bank, getting the HCUW campaign under way there.
The giveback event at Panda Express last week reportedly raised about $110 for HCUW. A HCUW supporter in thanks for those who contributed to Panda’s giveback also is matching the Panda Express total with a $110 donation to HCUW, Berning reported.
Berning said she had the privilege of talking to a donor Friday afternoon, and shared with HCUW what she was told.
“He said, ‘My wife and I have been fortunate to live and work, and now retire here in Hopkins County. Our community supported us through our business for many, many years. It is a privileged to share some of what we have been blessed with. We also hope that our gift will prompt others to reflect on the blessings that they have, and out of that gratitude, give and support Hopkins County United Way.,'” Berning said.
The Zahn Family Charitable Trust blessed HCUW with an $8,000 gift, Berning reported.
“I will just say, personally — and I believe Bill and Beverley feel this way as you all do as well — I feel very humbled by this and extremely grateful,” Berning said.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from this experience is that the people in our community are the best ever anywhere. I would say that Hopkins County is united and it’s the Hopkins County way to give to those who need it and give back to the community. It’s awesome,” HCUW Co-Chair Bill Owens said.
Berning said the thing that seemed to resonate through Tuesday’s meeting is a desire to give. She said while not everyone can give $8,000, any amount is helpful as it all ads up.
Campaign workers are encouraged over the next week to reach out to all of the businesses and organization they delivered donation packets to and get all possible donations back in where possible by the next report meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office.
To remind everyone of this year’s theme and encourage them to “Be a HERO,” Bill Owens entered Tuesday’s meeting playing “Holding Out For A Hero” and played it again while the week’s contributions were tallied.
