United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties celebrates victory

United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties held its first Campaign Victory Celebration at the Ramada Inn Dec. 9  to recognize the success of local businesses’ Corporate Campaigns as well as those businesses who participated in the first Pacesetter Campaign. 

At the time of this Celebration, the campaign had raised $1,176,371 … a huge victory for the United Way even though it was about $48,000 short of the $1,225,000 goal. But as of Dec. 23, they have reached 99.1 percent of the 2014 Campaign Goal.   This could not have happened without the support of this community working together toward this common goal!

“I am thankful for all these companies that stepped up to be our Pacesetters and accepted the challenge to complete their campaign before Sept. 12 with a goal increase of 20 percent from the previous year,” said United Way’s Pacesetter Chair Betty Brassell of First City Bank.

The following businesses were recognized with awards:  Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CCB Community Bank, City of Fort Walton Beach, First City Bank, MITRE, Northwest Florida Daily News, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, First City Bank, Target-Destin, Target-Mary Esther, Regions Bank, Gulf Power Company and United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties. 

Walter Hooks of Regions Bank and United Way’s Campaign Chair gave a special appreciation and presentation to Publix Supermarkets for all their support to the United Way and to our community.

Hooks shared this story. “When Publix founder George Jenkins was once asked what he would be worth today if he had not given so much away? His immediate response, Probably nothing.”

Publix continues to be United Way’s number one donor.

“We thank them and their employees for their outstanding Employee Campaign which raised $246,686.24 from all nine stores within Okaloosa and Walton Counties, an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Hooks. “We thank you.”