This is a giant thank you note for your support of the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s 2016 Campaign. I had the privilege of serving as the campaign chair and experienced the outpouring of love and dedication to our community by both individuals and businesses.

From running to sponsorship to volunteering, we kicked off the campaign with a successful True Color Run in downtown Vicksburg where over 1,000 people gave their Saturday morning to spread the United Way story. Students from all schools and adults of all ages ran and turned themselves every color of the rainbow as we celebrated the kickoff.

Your generosity enabled us to give each of the participating agencies a $1,000 check to further their work in the areas of education, health and financial stability. Thank you!

The campaign continued through the work of the staff and the Campaign Cabinet. I would like to give a big shout out to those that served in the cabinet: Elyce Curry, Jan Daigre, Pam Durman, Katie Ferrell, Tracy Gordon, Barbara Hickman, Ali Hopson, Christi Kilroy, Holly Porter, Regina Prentiss and Dr. Robert Sadler. This amazing group of “Vicksburgers” gave of their time and talents to push this campaign forward throughout the year. Thank you!

To the individual donors, we absolutely could not fund the programs and agencies without your support. Every amount counts and makes a difference, so much so that 99 percent of every dollar goes straight back to services in our community and impacts members from infants to senior citizens.

As a former teacher, I encountered numerous students who benefitted from the services provided by the agencies whether it was providing shelter, mentoring or proper health care. With your support, their stories were filled with hope and courage to face the next day. Thank you!

To the businesses, the campaign is what it is because of you. The amount of sponsorship continues to amaze us and your willingness to run workplace campaigns opens up so many doors for support. From small to large, each business brings something unique to the table and allows us to reach for the sky.

I remember looking around at the True Color Run and thinking, “Wow, these businesses are run by real people who really care about our community. Why else would they put on a tutu and turn purple?” Thank you!

I am excited to serve as the Campaign Chair for 2017 and I look forward to working alongside each of you again. Please consider how you can be a part of this campaign. Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Thank you again for your generosity and keep it coming.

Be a hand raiser and a game changer.

 

Jennifer Grey

Campaign Chair 2017

The United Way of West Central Mississippi