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Another Successful United Way Campaign

Julie Bercik

Story Created: Feb 13, 2008 at 7:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2008 at 7:21 PM CDT

They couldn't bring the campaign to the beach, so they brought the beach to the Hilton, celebrating the end of another successful campaign.

Flip flops and lays the accessories of the night, Hawaiian shirts optional. The sounds of Jimmy Buffett really made it feel like the beach, bbut this isn't a beach party; it's a night to thank the volunteers of the 2007 United Way Campaign.

"We also want to celebrate success tonight and celebrate some real volunteer leadership in companies," said Scott Ferguson, President and CEO of the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.

This year the campaign has more than six million reasons to be celebrate.

" We raised six million, nine hundred and forty four thousand, nine hundred and fifty three dollars!" said Rob Doll, Campaign Chairman.

Money that would not have never been raised without the dedication of thousands.

"Over thirty five thousand contributors, hundreds of volunteers within the companies, within the board of directors and a great staff. People really care about one another. The Chattahoochee Valley really is a community," said Ferguson.

A few memebers of the community shared their appreciatiion in song. They switched the words of the "YMCA" from "It's fun to stay at the YMCA" to "Thank You for the lives that you saved."

Caring will help continue the United Ways's services.

"I always let people know that the money is well spent, invested in 50 different programs that take care of us right here in our community," Ferguson said.

"Somewhere in our valley, a child is crying for his mother. But his mother knows everything will be alright because of you folks, " said Doll.