BIRMINGHAM, AL– UWCA’s 98th fundraising campaign proved successful with going over goal to report $36,250,000 million. The amount announced reflects pledge estimates and not the final results of companies that are still conducting campaigns or individuals who have not renewed pledges in writing.
“Because of your support, we are able to continue bringing together individuals and organizations with the enthusiasm, knowledge, and resources to get things done in our six-county footprint,” said Doug Coltharp. “Because of you, we can continue to make a difference in our communities by focusing on education, financial stability, health, and satisfying people’s fundamental needs.”
The top three campaigns were conducted by Regions Financial Corporation, Alabama Power Company, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. They raised a combined total of 11 million dollars for the 2021 Annual Campaign. The Pacesetter Campaign generally kicks off the UWCA fundraising season. Several local businesses that share our commitment to the community initiate internal campaigns early, assisting UWCA in getting the ball rolling on donations. This year, the Pacesetter contributed $10.3 million dollars toward the campaign’s total goal.
Among UWCA’s 2021 notable accomplishments are:
- 275 new J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Members.
- 97 new Tocqueville Members.
- 41 new Daniel Dunne Circle Members.
- 1 new Million Dollar Roundtable Member.
This year’s campaign celebration also honored the winners of the 2021 Mervyn H. Sterne Award and the 2021 Crawford T. Johnson Loaned Executive of The Year Award.
Volunteers and individuals are recognized with awards and accolades for their devotion and contributions in the areas of education, health, and financial stability. Campaign Award winners contribute to the annual community campaign in several ways.
About the Mervyn H. Sterne Award: In 1931, one of the darkest years of the Depression, Mervyn Stern served as campaign chairman, raising $750,000 in two weeks. This was a 50% increase over the previous year’s campaign. His efforts paid off the next year when the campaign raised $472,000. The award is given to a standout campaign unit or volunteer who has made a substantial contribution to the campaign.
The 2021 Mervyn H. Sterne Volunteer Award Winner is Hatton Smith, CEO of Back Forty Beer Company who led the Major Gifts Division of the Campaign.
About the Crawford T. Johnson Loaned Executive of The Year Award: Crawford T. Johnson was a founding member and the first President of the Birmingham Community Chest (now known as United Way of Central Alabama), and his volunteering and sense of civic responsibility go on today. In 1902, Johnson also established the Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
The 2021 Crawford T. Johnson Loaned Executive of the Year Award, Matt Schrecongost, Protective Life Corporation.
Major Gifts Award:
- 2021 Tocqueville Society Award, Mallie Ireland and Stewart Dansby
Team Choice Awards:
- 9 Figures of Hope: Matt Schrecongost, Protective Life Corporation
- More Money, Less Problems: Elizabeth Campbell, Encompass Health
- Paper Chasers: (Co-Team Choice winners)
- Chad Fitch, Alabama Power Company
- Yvette Harper, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
According to John Martin, Sr. VP of Resource Development at UWCA, approximately 900 volunteers contributed more than 26,000 hours of their time to the community in this six-month fundraising period.
Sponsors of the celebration were: Regions Financial Corporation, Brasfield & Gorrie, Encompass Health, AmFirst Federal Credit Union, Behavioral Health Systems, WVTM 13 News.
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About United Way:
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.United Way of Central Alabama serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties by identifying some of our most critical immediate and long-term needs, then building and mobilizing resources to address them through both direct services and United Way partner agencies. For more information, visit uwca.org.