On Dec. 5, the United Way of Wayne County celebrated those who gave their Fair Share this year by giving away $10,000 to one lucky finalist at their finale event at the Arts Council of Wayne County in downtown Goldsboro.
Since August of this year, names have been randomly selected from the pool of Fair Share Investors for a chance to win big for their efforts in giving back to the community.
“A Fair Share Investor is someone who invests in their community through United Way with a minimum of one hour’s pay per month for a year,” explained Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of the United Way of Wayne County. “This year, 21 finalists were selected at random from all Fair Share Investors to be entered into a final drawing for $10,000,” Archibald said. It is important to note that no investor dollars were used as prize money.
After several random obstacles, each finalist lined up with a key in their hand to try and find out if they would be the one to unlock the “Golden Barrel” containing the prize money. Derek Jones, an employee at Jackson and Sons, was the first finalist drawn this year.
Jones couldn’t contain his excitement as he stepped up to be first in line to try his key. You could see the surprise on everyone’s face when Jones slid his key into the lock and heard that quiet “pop!”. After removing the padlock, Jones was showered with $10,000 (fake) cash!
During the program, Bethany Perry, United Way of Wayne County’s Community Campaign Chair said, “It has been such a privilege volunteering full-time with United Way since 2019. I have seen the great needs in this community, those working hard to create and foster the care necessary to strengthen our community, and the generous individuals who invest. I have also seen countless lives impacted and empowered because of the generosity and selflessness you all have displayed by investing your Fair Share. Our 2023 campaign goal is to raise $850,000.00 and strengthen the lives of more than 17,000 people. We knew this year was going to be a challenge but the community in Wayne County has come together in many ways to help us reach that goal. I am happy to report that we are currently at 80% raising $677,728.02 improving the lives of 13,554.6 people across Wayne County. We are striving for 100% and invite you to contact us to help meet our goal!”
Investments to United Way of Wayne County can be made through an employer or on a personal basis. To contribute, contact your employer or send a check or pledge to PO Box 10893, Goldsboro, NC 27532. Or visit unitedwayne.org.
