United Way of Hall County February Newsletter

	United Way of Hall County
		February 2010

Greetings!

Since yesterday was Valentine's Day, I was reminded of what is means to be committed...to a spouse, a friend, a job or your community. United Way of Hall County has had community

members who have demonstrated that kind of commitment for many years. They are called United Way Loyal Contributors. These people, from bank presidents to poultry line workers, wealthy and wealthy only in heart, have given a portion of their annual income to improve lives in their community. Each and every year, for five, ten, twenty and more years, they give to others. And they've done it from a commitment to improve lives in Hall County. Enjoy the story below by Kenny Gee - a United Way beneficiary and now a Loyal Contributor. His story exemplifies the full circle of giving and receiving.

At United Way, we're grateful for people like Kenny and the hundreds of other Loyal Contributors. We see, everyday, how the contributions affect our children and youth, the people or families

in crisis, those who are learning to become self-sufficient, and the thousands with health needs in Hall County. Over the past three had the benefit of the contributions and energy given by Tracy Whitmire, our Vice President of Resource Development. Tracy has shared her commitment for the mission of United Way and her contagious energy to grow the resources needed to improve lives. As Tracy moves on professionally, we thank her for what she has added freely and willingly to our organization and what we know she will continue to add to our community.

Thank you to all who give whether you've been giving for thirty years or if this is your first. Please join us on March 10 as we celebrate and recognize how our community LIVES UNITED.

Jackie Wallace
President & CEO
United Way of Hall County



Uniting people, organizations, and resources to improve lives in Hall County.

Loyal Contributor Kenny Gee

Living the Difference

It was 1963 and I was a little brother following my two older brothers around. My older brothers were already attending the Boys Club and of course, I had to go to the Boys Club too. At the Boys Club, under the guidance of Mr. Jim Smith and Mr. Jimmy Griffin, men I still and always will regard as great inspirations in my life, the fun was to begin. I learned how to swim, play pool, and participate in sports - and attend my first SNIPE hunt (a story for another day)! During these early years, the Boys Club helped provide great outlets for our youthful energy. I know the Boys Club helped guide me away from the things a young man should not be doing. I still hold dear many fond memories of my early years at the Boys Club, the friendships I started and the memories of the VOLUNTEERS that touched my life, from coaches to event organizers and Booster club members.

During these early years I had no idea what United Way was. It was not until 1983 when I went to work for Doug Magnus with Conditioned Air Systems that I got my first real introduction to United Way. I remember Doug's passion for giving and sharing with the community. Through Doug's example I started with the payroll deduction option for United Way in 1983. Doug has continued the payroll deduction option at Conditioned Air Systems every year since to provide our employees a way to GIVE back. We also strive to educate our people how United Way's mission of improving lives applies to all of us.

Twenty-seven year later, I believe in giving more today than I did in 1983. United Way is a great way to reach a lot of people and many organizations. Over the years as my position at the company has changed, my opportunity to give has grown. My GIVING began from watching the example of many great men and women within our community and the belief that you will be rewarded two fold. United Way has provided me this opportunity. In 2009, I was asked to be a Board member and without hesitation, I accepted this opportunity to VOLUNTEER. I was now able to help United Way in a new way and have learned how the partner agencies function and
why support of United Way is so critical to their ability to serve our community.

United Way gives me the opportunity to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER and to help in my own small way to make Hall County a better place.

Thanks to United Way for helping provide for a BETTER TOMORROW.

Kenny Gee