Don Jarratt, the Vicksburg man who was fundraising campaign chairman of the United Way of West Central Mississippi in 2008, is taking the helm as board chairman for the new season.

“I want to continue the very long and prosperous tradition that the United Way has had, raising funds for these very vital agencies that support the community,” Jarratt, an employee of Coomes Produce, said as the chapter celebrated the end of its fundraising campaign drive for 2010.

The chapter reached 96 percent of its $1.4 million goal, or $1,354,946.

“In spite of the declining economy, the givers of Vicksburg have been very generous,” said Felicia Gavin, outgoing board chairman. “Although we fell slightly below our goal, we did very well this year, and the citizens of the Warren County community really came out, and I am ecstatic about that.”

About 200 people gathered at DiamondJacks Casino for the annual meeting and awards banquet to celebrate the end of one season, welcome the leadership for the 2011 campaign and recognize individual efforts from the 2010 campaign.

The west central chapter is a branch of the national organization. Its purpose is to use volunteers and a small staff to raise money for local charity groups. The program allows member agencies to concentrate on services rather than raising funds.

Volunteers honored included Marie Thompson, who was named United Way Volunteer of the Year.

“It feels special,” said Thompson, who is director of intergovernmental policy for the City of Vicksburg. “It means a lot because it comes from my peers and from a community I love and serve.”

The award winner who seemed most surprised was Executive Director Barbara Tolliver, who shared the Agency Director of the Year Award with Cindy McCarley of the Warren County Children’s Shelter.

“It feels pretty awesome,” said Tolliver, whose staff was able to surprise her despite the awards coming from their office. “Just to know that people appreciate what you do when you go that extra mile for them means a lot.”

The Bruce Alan Ebersole Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Vicksburg High School senior Amanda Guizerix, daughter of Skipper and Kristy Guizerix. The scholarship program was named for a charter member and the first president of Teen HELP, an auxiliary for adolescents.

With the new campaign season fast-approaching, volunteers and United Way staff said they are preparing for the new challenges.

“This community is so giving,” Tolliver said. “I know we will be successful in what we do. We might not make 100 percent, but we will be pushing for it and we won’t ever lose sight of all the people who are in need, and that keeps us working hard.”

Also named as 2010 United Way award winners were:

• Felicia Gavin, general manager of DiamondJacks, Board Chairman Award.

• Robyn Lea of State Farm Insurance, Campaign Chairman Award.

• Susan Loflin Johnston, Vicksburg Insurance Agency, Pacesetter Chairman Award.

• Charlotte Grant of Vicksburg Warren School District and Michelle Lynn of River Region Health System, Campaign Coordinators of the Year.

• Chris Chatham, Ameristar Casino, Donor Investment Chairman Award

• Elke Briuer of BriuerPatch Studios and Kevin Vaughn of Ergon Refining Inc., Donor Investment Volunteer of the Year.

• Wanda Caruthers of BancorpSouth, Leadership Award.

• Walmart, Corporation of the Year.

• Entergy Grand Gulf, Traveling Leadership Award.

• Ergon Refining Inc., Spirit of Vicksburg Award.