United Way recognizes community partners

During United Way of the Ozark's annual meeting yesterday, the group recognized businesses, organizations and individuals for support of the nonprofit's 2012 campaign.

Roughly 400 were in attendance at University Plaza Hotel to celebrate last year's fundraising campaign with pledges totaling $3.9 million, a 15 percent increase compared to 2011, according to a news release.

"United Way was able to raise necessary resources so that our partner agencies can work to find solutions to our community’s red-flag issues. Our volunteers make all the difference in these efforts," United Way board Chairman and Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said in the release.

United Way officials presented four Pillar Awards, designed to recognize individuals, companies, organizations or agencies for setting benchmarks in creating and sustaining United Way culture. Awards were presented to:

• Springfield News-Leader Media Group for Corporate Humanitarian of the Year;
• Community Foundation of the Ozarks for Outstanding Community Service; and
• Leslie Peck of Peck’s Insurance & Financial Services and Ned Reynolds of KY3 Inc., for Outstanding United Way Volunteers.

United Way also recognized 21 organizations with at least 50 percent employee participation in the annual campaign and a minimum $150 per capita gift; it also pointed to 84 organizations that improved contributions by 15 percent or more, the release said.