The United Way of Wayne County, Board of Directors hosted the 2021 Annual Campaign Finale recognizing Fair Share investors and Educators.
The annual event serves to recognize the Fair Share investors and give-a-way a $10,000.00 prize. For the last three years, an anonymous donor has gifted United Way of Wayne County with $10,000.00, separate from the community campaign, with the intent to encourage and recognize Fair Share investors. This year, 50 semi-finalists were randomly selected from hundreds investing their Fair Share with United Way of Wayne County. On November 19th, LIVE on WGBR, 20 finalists were selected from the 50 semi-finalists. And Thursday, December 2nd at 5:30pm, all 20 finalists showed up with anticipation of winning $10,000.00.
Bethany Perry, United Way of Wayne County’s 2021 Campaign Chair emceed the event taking the opportunity to thank the organizations that hold employee campaigns, the investors that support the programs, the Community Partners that execute these impactful programs and the volunteers that make it all come together. “I’m excited to share with you that we are at 76% of our goal to raise $850,000.00 to impact the lives of 17,000 Wayne County residents,” she said. “We still have work to do before wrapping up at the end of the year, so please support United Way’s 2021 Community Campaign.”
The evening is always so exciting, but also full of nerves and tension as we make all efforts to create every opportunity for a random win” said Executive Director, Sherry Archibald.
With 20 envelopes, each holding a key, all finalists chose one of the unmarked envelopes and proceeded, in no specific order, to come forward to attempt to open the lock full of monopoly money. “We never know how long this process can draw out, but this year our second finalists had the key that opened the pad lock on the golden barrel,” said Sherry Archibald, United Way of Wayne County’s Executive Director.
Wendy Jones, Bookkeeper for Brogden Primary School, had a look of surprise as she turned the key and heard the lock open. After a few squeals and tears, Jones shared “My dad has been sick and in need of hospice care, this will help to make that happen.” Following the event, she added “It was an amazing experience! I can’t thank you enough for the great evening. The food was amazing, and I can’t believe I just won $10,000! Thank you all for what you do for our community. Giving back is truly a blessing for those who do it.”
Ms. Archibald thanked Ms. Jones and the members in audience for their support to the community through the United Way.
United Way of Wayne County also recognized the five Wayne County Public School Education Grant recipients. To enter the drawing, hundreds of educators invested their Fair Share of one hour pay per month to United Way of Wayne County.
United Way of Wayne County congratulated the following staff and schools for the random selection winning a $500.00 Classroom grant.:
- Dionne Johnson: Goldsboro High School (photo attached)
- Alana Moore: Carver Heights Elementary School (photo attached)
- Myrka Flores-Sanchez: Wayen Early Middle College High School
- Teresa Hall: Brogden Primary School (photo attached)
- Monica Tobe: Carver Elementary School (photo attached)
And chosen from a list of school with a $30.00 per capita of investment, winning the $5,000.00 Education School grant, was Carver Heights Elementary. Winter Goodson, Principal of Carver Heights Elementary School accepted the grant and plans to meet with her team next week to discuss a strategy that will best serve their students.
