A new campaign year for United Way of Anderson County calls on people to help those in need, to advocate for others
Video: Nakia Davis, board chair of the United Way of Anderson County, on community engagement
Nakia Davis, board chair of the United Way of Anderson County, on community involvement
Volunteers and helpers from the community gathered to celebrate and look forward to serving in areas of need. Basic needs such as childhood hunger, shelter and homelessness, poverty, financial stability, health and education.
“It’s a time when we come together to celebrate our volunteers, our donors, our partner organizations and look forward to the next year,” said Carol Burdette, president and CEO of United Way of Anderson County. “United Way is so driven by volunteers. They give us their time, their talent and their treasures. Whether they serve on our board or volunteer in a role, whether it’s at Snack Pack, whether it’s at Camp Mariposa, whether it’s at one of our projects or one of our agencies,” she said.
A video presentation showed areas of need in the community that were successful the year before. In partnership with Anderson Interfaith Ministries, volunteers assembled over 5,000 snack packs of ready-to-eat foods during the summer as part of the Summer Food 4 Kids program. The presentation showed that 63 campers were mentored by volunteers for 6,367 hours.
Ten USDA community gardens used a USDA grant of $39,193 to grow vegetables and fruits. AIM was the largest garden, with tomatoes, squash, peppers, strawberries, plums and apricots. Bridge Center Recover provided tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and cucumbers.
The meeting marked the final year of retiring President and CEO Carol Burdette, who served as a volunteer for 13 years and then as president and CEO for 22 more years, for a total of 35 years. “You’ll have to forgive me, I’m going to talk a lot,” she said with a smile to the crowd that filled the banquet room of Tucker’s Restaurant in Anderson on Wednesday.
Nakia Davis, 2023-2024 board chair, said of all the nonprofit boards in Anderson County, working with the United Way of Anderson County has been a highlight for him. “We serve so many people with so many different needs. One of my favorite projects is Snack Packs, where we send meals home to children in need throughout Anderson County. Over 750 children in elementary schools across all five counties. Just the stories we hear from some of the kids, the smiles on their faces, really touches our hearts,” Davis said.
The group presented Anderson School District Five with a check for $10,000 to be used for a free book giveaway program called the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The program, which began in 1995 and spread nationwide, is designed to ensure that children can have books regardless of their family’s income, according to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Each year, the United Way of Anderson County partners with businesses and groups to help the community in areas of need. “Our Community Impact Cabinet volunteers work diligently to identify and fund community partners who will address Anderson County’s most pressing needs and create positive, lasting, measurable change,” the group wrote on its website.
Volunteers participate in groups affiliated with the United Way of Anderson County: African American Leadership Society, Americorps, Imagine Anderson, Women United, Volunteer Center Young Philanthropists, Youth Volunteer Corps.
At the luncheon, Karen Carter, Dr. Becky Campbell, Carol Burdette, President and CEO, Jamie Nimmo, Pam and Tom Roose were recognized for their “amazing” commitment to the group. Cara Hamilton was presented with an award for her leadership in the 2023-2024 campaign by Liz Brock, Vice President of Resource Development. Kathryn Manson was awarded the DK Oglesby Award of Excellence, also called the Chairman Award. Dr. honored long-time business leaders in Anderson County.
African American Leadership Society President Jackie Blakley and Board Chair Nakia Davis presented Michelin with a tire-shaped award, which was accepted by Joel Heard and Bill Wires to congratulate them on 50 years of service to our community. Board awards went to Greg Shore, Leo Smith, Caroline Gaddis and Ala Chappelear.
The Spirit of Anderson Awards were presented by Burdette and honored local freelance journalist Paul Brown, Greg Wilson of the Anderson Observer and Ken Ruinard, staff photographer at the Independent Mail; Ben Phillips, a local DJ; Linda Lovold, owner of DeadHorse Productions; and Leo Smith, retired banker. Brian White won the Partners In Success Award.
