The United Way of Marion County celebrated a record-breaking campaign year with their Campaign Celebration on January 16, 2019 at the Robert Mollohan Research Center. The 2019 campaign crossed over the half a million-dollar mark for the first time ever, raising $510,425 to help support our local community.
Over 1,051 donors participated in the annual fundraising drive with over 101 leadership gifts of $500 or more. The Emerging Leaders program, which began with this campaign, saw over 31 young leaders join.
Fairmont State University took the top honor of the event with the “Best of the Best” Award. They raised their largest amount ever in their 39-year campaign history with over $31,525. Mon Power took home the Live United and Corporate Volunteerism awards for their continued commitment. They raised over $150,546, making them the largest workplace campaign in Marion County again this year.Fairmont Regional Medical Center raised over $20,100 and was recognized with the new Gleason and Jean Kuhn Growth and Innovation Award. Christ Episcopal Church, which presented a $57,000 gift to the campaign was recognized with the Chairman’s Award.
Patrick Snively of Fairmont State University and Jillian Sole of Pierpont Community & Technical College were recognized as the Outstanding Employee Coordinators. Longtime supporter Jim Chadwell was recognized with the Rev. Jack “Donal” Squires Award for his many years of support and dedication to the organization.
The Rotary Club of South Fairmont presented a check for $62,500 to the campaign, representing the total raised from the 11thannual Celebration of Lights. Attendees thanked Tina Shaw for her leadership of the 2019 campaign and presented her with a special plaque to commemorate her year as Chair. Shaw thanked the group during her last official duty and passed the torch to the 2020 campaign chairs, Patrick and Amy Snively, both of Fairmont State University.
A full listing of the award recipients can be found on the United Way website at unitedwaymtc.org. The funding from the annual campaign helps support 29 programs at 22 health and human service agencies in Marion County.
