UNITED WAY MEETS AND BEATS GOAL

By Larry Ault/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Following months of fund-raising efforts, the United Way of Southeast Arkansas reported Thursday it exceeded its 2006 campaign fundraising goal with 100.1 percent of the dollar amount or $1,251,530, campaign chairman Marty Casteel said at a reception at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center.

Casteel, executive vice president of Simmons First National Corp., recognized just about everyone in the meeting room during a ceremony where contributions and campaign efforts were singled out.

The campaign goal was “for every person to have the right kind of opportunity to understand and decide.”

“Because of you, this campaign has been a success. On behalf of the 27 United Way agencies and these individuals and families who are helped by them, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your hard work in this campaign,” Casteel said.

“The United Way depends on volunteers and people who want to give of their resources, said Eva McGee, president of the United Way.

During her report, McGee said the United Way works to “provide help for people in Southeast Arkansas through financial support of 27 partner agencies.”

“We need to remember that neither the United Way nor partner agencies have needs. People have needs. Agencies have solutions,” she said.

It was announced that Scott Pittillo, an officer at Pine Bluff National Bank, will be the incoming president of the United Way. Frank Anthony, superintendent of the Pine Bluff School District, will be the campaign chair for the next fundraising drive.

Among the individuals singled out were Chuck Morgan, chair of the PILLARS Club, which includes individuals who make gifts of $500 or more. This year, the United Way campaign had a record number of PILLARS who donated 374 gifts of $500 or more, an increase of 10 over last year, Casteel said.

“I can’t say enough good things about Chuck Morgan,” Casteel said.

Vickie Hooker, United Way communications chair who is with radio station KTRN, and Leonard Chamblee of North Little Rock, director of photography with Creative Motion Media, wrote, taped, and produced the fall 2006 Campaign video in addition to the 30 second public service announcement shown on local cable channels.

“This year, we had another great video,” Casteel said.

Dr. Phil Shirley, the loaned executive chair and president of Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff, recruited 34 loaned executives.

Approximately 70 percent of all the pledges each year come from individuals, Casteel said. “Everyone in this room just stand up.”