Tommy Davis Sr. was once unable to afford to take his son to Jackson for medical attention. But now his story is another testament to the dollars raised annually by volunteers of the United Way of West Central Mississippi.

Davis was one of two speakers who told the firsthand benefits of the organization at the group’s annual banquet Thursday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

The event, said Executive Director Barbara Tolliver, is to praise the 825 United Way volunteers. In 2006, United Way raised $1,574,444, surpassing its goal of $1.5 million.

&#8220I want to celebrate your giving spirit, your gifts of time and encouragement and your genuine concern for those who live and work in this community who are less fortunate,” Tolliver said.

The money, collected through payroll deduction at participating employers, in direct gifts and company and corporate donations, is allocated, based on need, to human service agencies working in the area.

In the past year, United Way had a 10 percent increase in corporate giving, a 2 percent increase in employee giving and an 8 percent increase for the Top 10 companies. It also used less than 20 percent of its collections for overhead expenses, Tolliver reported.

Terri Ulmer, who was elected chairman for 2007, said she &#8220looks forward to continuing with the success” the United Way had in 2006.

Outgoing chairman Mark Buys has been involved with United Way for 27 years.

&#8220I have a real heart for United Way,” he said. &#8220It’s not just about raising money. It’s about helping people.”

During the event, two high school seniors were awarded Bruce Alan Ebersole Jr. Memorial Scholarships, $500 awards named for the charter member and first president of Teen HELP, a young auxiliary for young people. Ebersole, who was a St. Aloysius High School graduate, died in 2004. The award was established to honor him and his work with the organization. The 2006 recipients were Angela Addae, a senior at Warren Central High School and Leslie Smith, a Vicksburg High School senior.

This year, David Cox, senior vice president of BancorpSouth, was named volunteer of the year. Cox has been involved with United Way for 11 years.

&#8220This award recipient is a true champion for community impact,” Tolliver said.

The Leadership Award was given to Blake Teller, a lawyer with Teller Chaney Hassell & Hopson. Agency of the Year was awarded to the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi. Corporation of the Year was given to BancorpSouth, a company whose 50 employees put in 181 hours of service to United Way in the past year.

Other award winners were: