United Way campaign total declines to $2.9M

Nearly 365 people turned out yesterday to celebrate United Way of the Ozarks’ 2015 campaign totals.

Last year, campaign pledges totaled $2.9 million, officials told attendees at White River Conference Center. That compares to $3 million in 2014, said spokesman Nigel Holderby.

“While the campaign dollars may be down from last year, we increased our community impact through a large spike in volunteers giving their time and talent,” United Way of the Ozarks President and CEO Debi Meeds said via email. “We recognize several businesses and corporations in our community faced challenges this past year, which played a major role in the 2015 total.

“But we are confident these challenges are behind us as a community, and are optimistic for the coming campaign.”

Officials yesterday also announced the 2015 campaign included:
    •    255 completed service projects by over 2,100 volunteers - equivalent to $268,000 in donations - during the United Way Day of Caring in August;
    •    218,000 pounds of food donated during the Stamp Out Hunger fundraiser with the National Association of Letter Carriers; and
    •    21,000 books delivered to children up to 5 years old via Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

During the event, United Way representatives also presented several awards to volunteers.

The Circle of Caring Award was given to 27 organizations for at least 50 percent employee participation in the campaign. More than 100 organizations received the Leo’s Champion Award for an increase of at least 15 percent in employee participation with United Way, according to the release.

Pillar Awards presented were:
    •    Outstanding United Way Volunteer: Clay Goddard of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Roseann Bentley of the Greene County Commission;
    •    Outstanding Service to the Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield; and
    •    Corporate Humanitarian of the Year: Nexstar Broadcasting.