The United Way of Wayne County thanked investors and supporters for a successful year of improving lives on Feb. 28 at their Annual Meeting held at First Baptist Church.
Walter Krentz, Board Chair, started the program by recognizing two Committee Members from 2023, Liza Govan (Events Committee) and Tara Humphries (Community Impact Committee), who displayed exceptional leadership, organization, and communication while serving the United Way message, both received the Committee Member of the Year Award.
“Our committee members impact our work by sharing their time and resources,” Krentz said. “We rely on them heavily and would like to thank and recognize all of them.”
This year’s meeting featured many accomplishments from 2023, shared by Executive Director, Sherry Archibald as well as two guest speakers. Dr. Marc Whichard, Superintendent for Wayne County Public Schools, and Representative John Bell.
Each took time to share their connection with United Way of Wayne County and the vital efforts being made throughout our community. In addition, board members Ken Derksen and Govan presented local companies and organizations with specific awards in recognition of their successes during the 2023 Campaign.
US Cargo Systems received the Spirit of Wayne – Innovator Award for efforts put forth by employers to impact the lives of others through their investments in United Way of Wayne County. This company “lives united”, meaning they embraced the concept that it takes all of us, doing our share, together, to impact lives here in this community.
The Salvation Army received the Spirit of Wayne – Changed Lives Award for having the highest percentage increase in the total corporate and employee investments made from the previous year. This also reflects the increase in lives changed.
Prolec GE-Waukesha received the Spirit of Wayne – Fair Share Award for having the highest increase in the number of fair share donors from the previous year. They embraced the idea that when we give our fair share, one hour of pay per month, we can impact more lives.
Jackson & Sons received the Spirit of Wayne – Per Capita Award for having the highest combined employee and corporate dollars per capita in the current year.
Sentry Insurance received the Spirit of Wayne – Special Events Award for raising the highest amount of dollars at one or more special events outside of employee or corporate investments.
KS Bank, Professional Data Management, and State Farm-Melissa Throm received the Spirit of Wayne – Inaugural Campaign Award for producing a strong first campaign with signs of future success.
Nine investing companies or organizations were also recognized for investing in United Way of Wayne County at 100% participation. Those are as follows: Community Supporting Schools, Mount Olive Builders Supply, Goldsboro Builders Supply, Partnership for Children, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Nunn, Brashear, & Uzzell, P.A., Wayne Realty and Insurance, Worrell Contracting, and Rones Chapel Area Community Center.
Joy Allen, County of Wayne/Wayne County Public Library, was awarded the Campaign Chairman’s Award for taking on the role of Campaign Coordinator for one of the biggest employers in the County. She was committed to scheduling and connecting United Way for more than 20 presentations. She recognized the need to share community resources.
Allen also attended every presentation and led in sharing the United Way message independently when scheduling conflicts called for backup.
Felipe Fonseca, US Cargo Systems, was awarded the Campaign Coordinator of the Year Award. This award recognizes an employee of one of United Wayne of Wayne County’s Major Investors who goes the extra mile to influence their employee team.
Fonseca not only exceeded multiple goals but met with each of his peers individually, to share the importance of the resources in our community. He went above and beyond by setting and encouraging other Major Investors to aim high. New in the role of Campaign Coordinator, Fonseca’s enthusiasm for the United Way and serving the community was contagious.
Following the Spirit of Wayne Awards, Walter Krentz stepped back up to the podium as the Board Chair for the last time.
Krentz passed the gavel on to Bernadette Carter-Dove, City of Goldsboro, who is graciously stepping into the role for the 2024-2026 term.
As Dove approached the podium as the new Board Chair and to Krentz she said, “It is a privilege to follow in your footsteps as you have paved the way towards greater opportunities for United Way of Wayne County and our community. This is already going to be an exciting year and look forward to serving as Chair.”
Each year, in addition to the Spirit of Wayne Awards, United Way of Wayne County chooses a volunteer to receive the Emil Rosenthal Award. Before the prestigious award winner was announced, a few words from David Weil were shared on the history of Rosenthal.
As the great-nephew of Emil Rosenthal, Weil had the opportunity to learn from his example of service to the community. For almost 100 years, the United Way of Wayne County has been a volunteer-based organization with direct results coming from a fantastic group of volunteers, committed to our mission.
Beginning as the Community Chest, evolving into the United Fund, and elevating to the United Way of Wayne County that you know today; Emil Rosenthal was a recognized leader with a strong ability to motivate others to serve the needs of Wayne County.
The 2022 Emil Rosenthal recipient, Walter Krentz shared the following “This year’s recipient has served United Way of Wayne County for more than 20 years in multiple capacities. He initially served as a Loaned Executive, sharing resources with hundreds of investors across the county. He is the one we turn to, to provide the perfect analogy of our purpose and makes the necessary connections instantly. He has a voice for telling the story and we are grateful for all the ways he serves the children and families of our community It is my distinct privilege to present this year’s Rosenthal Award to Ken Derksen.”
