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United Way Thanks Community Superheroes For Campaign Increase

In front of an audience of roughly 300 community leaders, volunteers, supporters, and other community partners at United Way of Southwest Alabama’s annual meeting and campaign celebration, Don Keeler, the 2014 Campaign Chairman and Vice Presdient of Human Resources at Austal USA announced that for the third year in a row, United Way of Southwest Alabama’s (UWSWA) campaign achieved an increase.

“It is amazing to see the individual and corporate donors that accepted our one percent challenge.  They truly are our community’s Super Heroes.  With their help, we not only raised more than the previous campaign, but we surpassed our goal of a one percent increase,” stated Keeler. “I am happy to announce the 2014 campaign raised $5,053,932. This campaign equates to more than a ten percent increase over the last three years.”

During the 2013 campaign, UWSWA raised $5,003,272.  The 2011 campaign was the first increase since 2003 and the organization’s largest increase since 1998.

During his presentation, Keeler made a special thank you to Mobile County Schools Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, who are participating in United Way’s SPARC program, Student Philanthropist Actively Reaching the Community.  This program is designed to engage students in raising and distributing funds for local programs that benefit school-age youth in the areas of United Way’s building blocks: education, health, financial stability, and essentials.  They will help allocate $15,000, which was raised over the past few years from contributions by Mobile County elementary, middle, and high school students.

The surprise guest at this morning’s event was Mobile’s native son, AJ McCarron.  McCarron lead the University of Alabama to back-to-back BCS National Championships and is now a quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals.  He spoke to the audience about giving back and answered questions from the crowd.

“Just like in football, it takes everyone working together as a team to achieve victory,” said McCarron.  “Whether it’s connecting volunteers with projects or raising dollars to invest in local programs, United Way is a great collaborator and lives by the concept of teamwork, every day.” McCarron also mentioned how he was raised to give back to the community and has been a longtime supporter of United Way.

With a super hero theme, the event, which was held at Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center in Mobile, not only celebrated a successful campaign, but also discussed other achievements and the many changes the organization made throughout the year.

With an eye toward the future, David Trent, the 2014 Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Site Director of Airbus Americas, discussed some successes from 2014.  He announced that UWSWA recently added Choctaw County to its service area, and the launching of United Way Volunteer Connect.  “Volunteer Connect is another way United Way is increasing volunteerism and further mobilizing resources to meet our community’s needs,” stated Trent.

Throughout the event, the top contributing companies were recognized, awards for campaign achievements were presented, and special recognitions were given.

• Outstanding Campaign Effort – TheFirst
• Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year – LaShaunda Holly, BASF
• Loaned Executive of the Year – Rachel New, Trustmark Bank

Joe Bullard and Thames Batre’ were presented the top two awards, receiving the Outstanding Philanthropist award and the Spirit of the Gulf Coast award respectively. Mr. Bullard was honored for his many years of service to local nonprofits, his many years as a Tocqueville Society giver to UWSWA and as a valued member of our community.  The Spirit of the Gulf Coast Award is the highest award  United Way of Southwest Alabama can give a company.  This award was presented to Thames Batre’ for consistently demonstrating a strong workplace campaign, diversity and depth in their community service, and energetic, bold leadership in addressing community issues and needs. Many members of Thames Batre’ not only contribute to and serve on various boards and committees with UWSWA, but volunteer and serve many roles within other nonprofits throughout southwest Alabama.

United Way of Southwest Alabama also announced their 2015-16 Board of Trustees and elected the organization’s new board of trustees officers:

• Chairman of the Board:          Don Keeler, Austal USA
• Vice Chair/Campaign Chair:   Mark Fillers, BBVA Compass Bank
• Treasurer:                              Brian Willman, Regions
• Secretary:                              Chad Blanton, Publix

Joining the board of trustees are four new community leaders:

• Owen Bailey, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital (2018)
• Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commissioner (2018)
• Sydney Raine, Mobile Works (2018)
• Teressa Ramsey, Family Promise of Coastal Alabama (2018)

Rejoining the board of trustees for a second three-year term are:

• Donald Adams, I.B.E.W. Local 505 (2018)
• Celia Collins, Johnstone Adams (2018)
• Rev. Jim DuFriend (2018)
• Allen Ladd, ThamesBatre (2018)
• William Sisson, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce (2018)
• Jean Tucker, University of South Alabama (2018)
• Susan Wilcox Turner, Long Leaf Land and Lumber (2018)

Alan H. Turner II, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama, started off the event by encouraging all the attendees to follow UWSWA on Twitter (@UWSWA) and tweet about the event using #LiveUnited. He also thanked the various contributors to the campaign and offered his vision for the organization’s future.

“Over the past couple of years, I have seen a change in our community.  I have watched people come together and not only agree on the problems we face, but agree to work together to find a solution,” stated Turner.  “United Way of Southwest Alabama has put its stake in the ground around our Building Blocks for a Better Life and has committed itself to working to improve the lives of those living throughout southwest Alabama.  With our dedicated volunteers, loyal supporters and an amazing staff – I am very optimistic for the future of our community and how UWSWA can help make a positive impact for many years to come.”