“Fundraising and campaigns are and will continue to be essential to providing the programs that make long-lasting impact,” said Ron Branscome, Rappahannock United Way Chairman of the Board at a March 14 event honoring local individuals and companies who contributed hundreds of volunteer hours. “Each and every one of you, and the important role you play, makes a difference in our community.”
GEICO was Rappahannock United Way’s highest contributor, with an unprecedented corporate gift of more than $259,000, said Janel Donohue, Rappahannock United Way president. The company’s total campaign contribution was just over $1 million. “This makes GEICO a million dollar campaign for two years running,” Donohue said.
Campaign awards included:
· Best Overall Campaign: GEICO
· Excellence in Leadership Giving: Mary Washington Healthcare
· Excellence in Corporate Spirit: Lockheed Martin
· Excellence in Employee Giving: Virginia Partners Bank and Quarles Petroleum
· Local Government Campaign Top Dog Award: Fredericksburg City Government
Several companies were recognized for their efforts in leading the fundraising efforts, raising more than $1 million total. These “Pacesetter Companies” are AECOM, BB&T, Dominion Virginia Power, GEICO, Hilldrup Moving & Storage, Mary Washington Healthcare, PermaTreat Pest Control, Quarles Petroleum, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Silver Companies, Union Bank & Trust, Virginia Partners Bank, Fredericksburg City Government, Spotsylvania County Government and Stafford County Government.
“Rappahannock United Way believes that no one agency or organization can influence community change alone,” said Susan Coleman, chairwoman of Rappahannock United Way’s Investment Committee. “By contributing to Rappahannock United Way’s Community Impact fund, you help ensure a network of services that no one agency or program could provide.”
In 2015, Rappahannock United Way invested in more than 32 community programs and initiatives under the focus areas of education, income, and health. The programs served more than 27,000 individuals.
“As we celebrate the successes of another campaign season, we want to let you know that Rappahannock United Way staff and volunteers are working year round to make our community a better place to live and work,” said Donohue. “That is why we never stop working, and why we call you all to action to never stop supporting. We need your help all year long.”
Founded in 1939, Rappahannock United Way is a local nonprofit serving Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Their goal is to have more households emerge from poverty and achieve greater financial stability.
