United Way of Horry County kicked off its 2011-2012 annual fundraising Campaign at the 12th Annual Day of Caring on September 23rd. The Day of Caring is the largest one-day volunteer effort for United Way of Horry County. It brings together a large group of volunteers and provides them with the opportunity to make a difference through hands-on projects benefiting a nonprofit organization. Volunteers from local businesses, individuals and organizations spend a half day or full day completing tasks such as painting, landscaping, building, cleaning and other services. Volunteers dressed in a sea of blue began entering the 8:00am breakfast at Kingston Presbyterian Church in downtown Conway, where Steve Chapman, Board Chairperson for United Way, announced this year's goal of $1,275,000 to support 45 local partner programs throughout Horry County. During the breakfast, Cathe Singleton, Campaign Chairperson for United Way, awarded 24 plaques to Pacesetter Companies, which are companies who wish to demonstrate their leadership and commitment to United Way of Horry County by completing their total employee drive and corporate pledge by September 16th. "Thanks to these companies who are leading the way for our annual Campaign, they have helped us raise $309,307.02 (24.25% of goal) to go towards the $1,275,000 goal as of Friday, September 23rd," states Singleton. The 12th Annual Day of Caring benefited Churches Assisting People (CAP) in downtown Conway by building walls and pantry shelves, adding flooring and new offices into their existing building; along with, sprucing up A Father's Place, The Community Garden and Horry County Disabilities & Special Needs. Side projects were conducted at FSS Family Outreach, Fostering Hope, Horry County Council on Aging, Salvation Army and Shepherd's Table. Over 250 volunteers worked all day cleaning, organizing, landscaping, and moving Churches Assisting People into their refurbished building. The Day of Caring was made possible from many donations and discounts from local businesses especially Baldwin Construction Company. While we celebrate all our volunteers that step up to make every Day of Caring possible, one individual from the North Myrtle Beach area deserves an extra special note of thanks. J.O. Baldwin has very generously donated his time, talents and expertise over the past five years to ensure that every project is a huge success. Through his company, Baldwin Construction, J.O. has also donated numerous skilled workers to manage our renovation projects - folks who spend countless hours and days planning ahead for each event. He has also helped us connect to so many other businesses that have either donated supplies or given us considerable discounts, all of which were indispensable in successfully completing every project. J.O. helped us again this year on our Day of Caring project for Churches Assisting People (CAP) in downtown Conway. Our goal was to significantly improve that facility, and his team had been diligently working for weeks to get the project ready to welcome our volunteers on Friday, September 23rd. His commitment, generosity and compassion are great examples of the LIVE UNITED spirit that shines throughout Horry County. And we're tremendously grateful to know he's on our team. Every one of our volunteers made a difference through this hands-on project and impacted our community for many years. "This project would not have been possible if it were not for all the local businesses who donated their time, talent and expertise to the CAP project," states Singleton. "We are truly fortunate to companies who are willing to make an impact on their community through United Way." United Way needs the community's support to help fund the 45 local partners for 2012. Last year, more than 151,000 people were impacted by a United Way community partner. A United Way investment has the power to improve lives and bring about change. Together, united, our community can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow because that's what it means to LIVE UNITED. United Way of Horry County welcomes and encourages anyone who would like to donate or volunteer in the Campaign to please contact the United Way office at 347-5195. Look for Day of Caring Pictures on Facebook next week! |
