www.unitedwaywumner.org

United Way of Sumner County

2015-2016 Annual ReportGR

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United Way

of Sumner County

1531 Hunt Club Boulevard, Suite 110 • Gallatin, TN 37066 • 615.461.8371 • www.unitedwaysumner.org

A LETTER FROM THE 2015-16 BOARD CHAIR

Dear United Way of Sumner County Supporter:

The 2015 campaign year was a great one for the United Way of Sumner County. Our workplace

campaigns, volunteers, partner businesses, and many individuals made 2015 our best year on record.

Thank you to everyone who made our success possible.

As chair of the United Way of Sumner County board of directors, I have enjoyed the privilege of

serving with a distinct group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving lives in

Sumner County. These distinguished volunteer leaders, beyond serving on the UWSC board –with

all the countless endeavors, tasks and objectives that duty entails – conducted themselves with the

utmost professionalism and dedication to our campaign. Their exemplary service brought honor and

recognition to UWSC in every facet of their service. Thank you to each one of them for their dedication

and efforts in enhancing and magnifying the quality of life here in Sumner County.

Our dedicated staff made this year a success more than words can demonstrate. Working long hours

and seeing their work payoff for the community made the long hours’ worth it.

It really has been an amazing year. When people ask me why I’m committed, why I give, or why I give

my time to this organization, a couple of things stand out. First, 46,000 needs are met in this county

each year through United Way. Ninety-nine cents of every dollar we raise stays right here in Sumner

County. To me, that’s amazing. Statistically, we touch the lives of one in every four citizens in Sumner

County. So even though that’s a slogan, it’s a real impact. So if you’ve ever wondered where your hard-

earned money goes, this is a real statistic about the difference you make right here at home.

There are far too many people to thank individually for being a part of our success, but without our

donors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and many other folks who were dedicated to the success of

our campaign, your United Way would not exist. Thank you. Through your efforts, our 2015 campaign

raised over $930,000, and we achieved more individual donations than ever. While the challenges

facing Sumner County are bigger than just a few people can solve, great things continue to happen

when we work together and LIVE UNITED. Our focus continues to be those in the most need in our

community, to lift their spirits so that the quality of life in Sumner County continues to improve. Your

impact is real, and I am so proud that the United Way of Sumner County continues to meet the needs of

our citizens.

I hope you will continue to work with us over the next year to help us grow our campaign and make

2016 the year of our first $1 million campaign!

Best regards,

Johnny Garrett

Bone McAllester Norton PLLC

2015-16 UWSC Board Chair

United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report - 1

2016-17 Board of DirectorsLeisa Byars - Chair

The Goddard School

Dr. Del Phillips - Chair ElectSumner County Schools

Mark Lowhorn - Treasurer Mark Lowhorn, C.P.A.

Tina Davis - SecretaryCommunity Volunteer

Johnny Garrett - Past Chair Bone McAllester Norton PLLC

Don AmesHendersonville Alderman

Regina BartlettTriStar Hendersonville Medical Center

Jan Braun Community Volunteer

Justin FontenotServisFirst Bank

Lindy GaughanRe/Max Choice Properties

Pat Gizelar Retired, Deloitte

Robert Klein LifePoint Hospitals

Scott LangfordSumner County Schools

Michael MorrisonTriStar Skyline Medical Center

Michele Owens Capital Bank

Richard PolkaReliant Bank

Gina PowersITW Dynatec

Laura RiveraThe Farmers Bank

Teri SchweigerPublix Super Markets

Dr. Chad SwanSwan Surgical

Dana SwineaCity of Hendersonville

Mark WalkerFarm Bureau Insurance

Rev. Allen WellerRetired

TABLE OF CONTENTS1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016-17 Board of Directors

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Campaign Raises $930,399

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Top 25 2015 Community Partners

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 UWSC Leadership Givers

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Hugh Carpenter Award

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Learning to Give Award

4 . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Most Improved Campaign Award

4 . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Most Innovative Campaign Award

5 . . . . . . 2015 Terry Colwell Volunteer of the Year Award

5 . . . . 2015 Regina Bartlett Fundraiser of the Year Award

5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Best Campaign Event Award

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Days of Action Impact Local Lives

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UWSC Seeks Volunteers

7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UWSC Audited Financial Report

8 . . . . . . BRUCE Returns to Help Reach $1 million goal

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . UWSC Announces 2016-17 Events

9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2016-17 Allocations Announced

Stay connected with your United Way Want to keep up with the great things happening at your United Way throughout the year? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest UWSC news and information: Facebook.com/UnitedWaySumner and Twitter.com/UnitedWaySumner.

2 - United Way of Sumner County 2016-16 Annual Report

Local residents answered the call to make a difference in the lives of others like never before during the 2015 United Way fundraising campaign, donating more than $930,000 to improve the quality of life in Sumner County.

According to United Way of Sumner County (UWSC) of-ficials, the 2015 Campaign raised $930,399, an increase of $17,193 (1.88%) over the $913,206 raised the previous year. The fundraising total was announced at the organization’s annual Awards Breakfast on April 15, 2016.

The organization had set an ambitious $1 million goal for its 2015 campaign, but from where the year began, UWSC President & CEO Dana M. Given said exceeding the 2014 total was in doubt until the final days of the campaign.

“We saw a variety of challenges this year,” Given said. “In November, we were down by over $60,000. People heard that we were down, and people came out of the woodwork to help. People who have never given before gave for the first time. People who had given in the past increased their donations, and people who had already given this year gave again. Sumner County stepped up to the plate to help meet the needs of thousands of their neighbors. You all believe, and because of that, you are doing incredible things.”

The 2015 campaign featured several highlights and ac-complishments. In the area of workplace campaigns, ITW CIP recorded the highest amount of employee giving in its history. The manufacturer’s employees donated $36,959 in 2015, up from $34,663 in 2014.

Publix Super Market in Hendersonville established a new record for its associate giving in 2015, raising $31,356. The amount was an increase of $1,436 over 2014 donations.

MISA Metal Processing in Portland held its first United Way of Sumner County fundraising campaign in 2015. Work-ers at the company’s manufacturing facility donated $2,046, while employees at the headquarters facility supported Unit-ed Way with donations totaling $4,030.

Sumner County Schools employees contributed a re-cord-setting $88,211 to United Way in 2015. Twenty-three of 49 school system locations gave more than they did the previous year, and 17 schools raised the most in their histo-ry. Hendersonville High School workers donated $6,147, the most ever given by the faculty and staff of a Sumner County school.

The largest fundraising increase recorded in 2015 came from local individual and professional donors not associat-ed with a workplace campaign. Gifts from individual donors jumped more than $20,000, while those from professional donors increased by $9,000 from 2014 to 2015.

Even with a record fundraising total, 2015-16 UWSC Board Chair Johnny Garrett said there is more work to be done on behalf of local residents.

“We still need your help,” Garrett said. “We will continue to walk this journey together to improve the quality of life here in Sumner County. It takes us all. Just like the slogan says, great things happen when we LIVE UNITED. Thanks to everyone in this room and many others, your United Way

is making great things happen every day.”Over the past five years, United Way of Sumner Coun-

ty has increased its fundraising by 46 percent. UWSC 2015 Campaign Chair Len Silverman said the unifying spirit be-hind the organization is a key to its success.

“There’s a lot that goes into the amount we raised, but it’s more than just a number,” Silverman said. “It’s all of us working together, but more importantly, beyond simply being united, we are united in a purpose, united in how positive we are about helping each other and about what this community can be with our help.”

2015 Top 25 UWSCCommunity Partners

1. Publix Super Markets ............................$159,370

2. Sumner County Schools ..........................$88,211

3. ITW CIP .....................................................$87,311

4. TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center $65,776

5. Servpro Industries, Inc. ..........................$43,688

6. ITW Dynatec .............................................$41,787

7. Macy’s Logistics & Operations ...............$30,313

8. The Farmers Bank ...................................$21,307

9. UPS ...........................................................$20,342

10. GKN Hoeganaes ......................................$17,828

11. R.R. Donnelley .........................................$15,798

12. Kirby Building Systems ..........................$14,818

13. Sumner Regional Medical Center ..........$12,381

14. Caterpillar .................................................$12,101

15. Fifth Third Bank .......................................$11,067

16. Aladdin Temp-Rite ...................................$10,949

17. AT&T ...........................................................$8,098

18. The Goddard School .................................$7,702

19. SunTrust Bank ...........................................$6,969

20. First Tennessee Bank ...............................$6,616

21. Volunteer State Bank ................................$6,529

22. Volunteer State Community College .........$6,195

23. MISA Metal Processing .............................$6,076

24. Peyton’s Mid-South ...................................$6,045

25. WalMart ......................................................$5,848

2015 campaign raises $930,399for United Way of Sumner County

United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report - 3

$10,000 +Regina & Tony BartlettJohnny & Kara GarrettSherri M. HenryWalter Hilton TrustMichael Morrison

$5,000 - $9,999Richard A. IsaacsonRobert & Laura KleinMr. & Mrs. Luther McDaniel

$2,000 - $4,999Anonymous (4)Drs. John & Anne BartekGilbert BienDan & Paula BourgetKristina & Judson BroomeDaisy B. CaseySusan L. GarrettValerie HawkinsMichelle HorstmanMichelle & Steve JilekJudy JonesJerry & Susan KeenMark LowhornEric MelcherTimothy & Lore NewhouseSteven C. PalmquistCharlie & Karilynn PhillipsTeri SchweigerLen & Tracey SilvermanMonty & Sue SteenDana L. Swinea

$1,000 - $1,999Anonymous (6)Ronna BaltzBetty BeamonBetsy & Chuck BeanLaura BlackburnWilliam S. Boes, IISarah BoggsSteve & Evelyn BottsLinda L. BoyersPeter BrissieDaniel BrooksRyan BrownJ.R. CharleboisDan CombsSuzanne CravensWendy DavidsonLarry DavisBrandy DickensDan & Michelle DroppMitch & Selena ElmoreJeremy FoyStephan A. GaffneyLisa J. Gann

Leslie A. Garrett-StephensKaren GebbsKent GimmyDana M. GivenPat & John GizelarMark HannonShirley HartBrandon R. HigdonJoseph S. HollowayMichael & Susanne HoniousDr. & Mrs. Halden Wayne Hooper, Jr.Christopher D. HorstmanMarshal HowardJuanita JacksonCathy & Ken JelonekBrett JerroldsBryan & Pamela JonesMichelle LandrethJames & Rhoda LeddyDrs. Walter & Shannon LittleTim & Joni MillerNicole MinnisJoseph MontalbanoGlen & Susan MortensenCarl MulderJoseph MullinsSamuel P. Pallottini, IIILetrecia & Nicholas ParchmanKathryn PayneSusan PeachRichard A. PolkaMichael RappRosiland RodgersRick RoisenGregory ScottJimmy SheddJackie ShelleyRyan & Zachary SingletonBrandon SixChristopher SongyJohn W. SookerMarty StillwellF. William Taylor Family FoundationJordan ThomsponGrace A. TomkinsCindy TuckerCameron WalrathJames Wheeler & FamilyTommy WhittakerDavid D. Williams

$500 - $999Anonymous (12)Kevin AdamsKatherine J. AllenRonald AlleyVicki L. Augustine

Cheryl BaileyPenny BarnesCindy E. BillingtonSandra F. BoatrightMartin F. BolesJeff A. BondJeffery BuddEmily R. BushSue M. CadwellMelanie L. CampbellCharles J. CarriganKenneth W. CassidyThomas C. CawthonNatalie H. ClineAmanda J. CowlesDavid W. CoxJay CrutchfieldConnie CudeTheodore Cuyler Sr.Justin DallasWayne DanielsKathleen DayeSandra E. DesrochersTimothy DodgeC. Steven DoremusJean & Ben DugganMalinda EdgingChandos ElliottDr. & Mrs. Jerry FaulknerMichael C. FerrellDavid A. FieldsLarry W. FlattMayor Scott & Amanda FosterFaith D. FrancisDebbie FrostRobert & Tara GoodallChristopher GreenCarollynn HailendRandi R. HallCynthia R. HansenJanet C. HarveyAdam HaslebacherSheila L. HatchRebecca HawkinsDouglas HelmsChad HillMonica HolcombBeverly HouserZamond V. HoustonScott HudanishTammy HudanishDiane HugginsWendy G. HughesMissa JacksonTyler JacksonJohn JenningsHeather C. JohnstonChris & Dianne KelleyJames D. Key

David KingAdrienne G. KnoxRobert K. KostadineDave & Paula KrebsKristina KumpChristopher LaddTammy LamberthJohn E. LangfordJonathan D. LeeTimothy D. LemonsJeff LeonardMel S. LessleyFelecia LewisEric & Tammy LinerodeTom & Ann MartinPenny MartinMichael G. McFarlandHollie K. McIntoshJessie L. McKinneyWilliam M. Minnenna, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. MoffattCharles J. MoranGordon B. MorrowJoyce MungleRichard E. MurphyGeorge A. NiemannBijan NimapDr. Richard & Melissa OrgainMichele OwensBrenda S. PayneTina M. PerryConnie PimentelMary L. PoolePatty T. PowellRichard A. RaymondTheodore RichardsGordon D. RobinsonJames RobinsonDemarcus A. RogersRoxanne RothKimberly A. RowlandMartha Rysak-GristKeith SandersJohn H. SchafferTheresa ScruggsWhitney SheetsCharles A. SuttonJim SweatmanNancy TheisenJames D. TurnerJoseph TurnerDouglas W. WardRev. Allen & Buni WellerThomas C. WellsJohn C. WilkinsonTrey WilliamsonChad A. Zinchini

2015 United Way of Sumner County Leadership Givers

4 - United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report

United Way recognizes top

Macy’s named top workplace campaignMacy’s Logistics & Operations in Portland is the 2015

winner of the Hugh Carpenter Award for best workplace campaign. Macy’s campaign has shown steady growth for the past six years. In 2015, their total United Way contribu-tions exceeded $40,000, of which more than $30,000 was pledged to Sumner County. Employee giving increased by 11 percent, and the fundraising didn’t stop there.

More than $2,200 was raised through special events, in-cluding a Home Run Derby that has grown into a yearly em-ployee happening, a silent auction and car wash, and the sale of a cookbook of collected employee recipes. In addition to fundraising, Macy’s participated in Days of Action through the Children’s Coat Drive; included United Way in their an-nual Employee Benefits Carnival; and donated 10,000 bows and 187 industrial rolls of wrapping paper to our funded part-ners. With a comprehensive and growing campaign that em-braces every aspect of giving back to the community, Macy’s is truly deserving of this honor.

Publix recognized for employee givingPublix Super Markets, with stores in Gallatin, Goodletts-

ville, and Hendersonville, is the winner of the 2015 Torch-bearer and Leadership Giving Awards. The Torchbearer Award is given to the workplace campaign that raises the most money through employee giving. The Leadership Giv-ers Award is presented to the workplace campaign that do-nates the highest dollar amount through individual associate gifts in excess of $500.

As the winner of both awards, Publix continues to set the standard for employee giving through workplace campaigns. With more than 70% employee participation, Publix raised $91,220 through 251 employee donations in 2015, an aver-age gift of $363. Of the total employee gift, 59 Leadership Givers donated $57,824 to United Way, more than 63% of their total employee donations.

When you add in a corporate gift of $68,000, it’s easy to see why Publix is known as one of best corporate citizens in every community where it operates.

MISA takes home Newcomers AwardMISA Metal Processing is the winner of the 2015 New-

comers Award for best new workplace campaign.In its first campaign, MISA raised $6,076 at its Corporate

Headquarters and manufacturing sites in Portland, placing it in United Way of Sumner County’s Top 25 Campaigns for 2015. MISA also shared the United Way message with com-pany facilities in three other states, which resulted in new campaigns in those communities. Local employees also gave back to the community by participating in our Children’s Coat Drive and hosting a special Angel Tree project that donated Christmas presents to local families, seniors, and veterans.

HHS captures Learning to Give AwardHendersonville High School is the 2015 winner of the

Learning to Give Award, given to the school that has the larg-est United Way Campaign during the year.

The school system as a whole raised a record-setting $88,211 for United Way in 2015. Twenty-three of 49 school system locations recorded increases over their 2014 fund-raising totals, and 17 schools established new United Way fundraising records. After becoming the first school to raise more than $5,000 in 2014, Hendersonville High School raised the bar again in 2015, becoming the first school to exceed $6,000 in United Way fundraising, with a total of $6,147.

United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report - 5

2015 campaigns, volunteers

Hilgadiack named Volunteer of the YearLongtime United Way supporter Betty Hilgadiack is the

2015 Terry Colwell Volunteer of the Year Award winner.Over the years, Mrs. Hilgadiack has served as an allo-

cations volunteer and on our Board of Directors, shared the United Way mission through personal stories in a variety of venues, encouraged the participation of others in United Way activities, and been a reliable source of assistance any time we ask.

For more than 20 years, she has been a devoted and visi-ble presence in United Way activities, including the Strategic Planning Committee; our first St. Nicholas Ball; the Needs Assessment Committee; annual events such as our Cam-paign Kick-off, Golf Scramble, and Campaign Celebration Breakfast; and many, many more. Betty is truly the epitome of how volunteers help us all LIVE UNITED.

For her dedication, giving heart, and commitment to Unit-ed Way of Sumner County, Mrs. Hilgadiack has more than earned this honor.

Garrett honored as Fundraiser of the YearFor his role in boosting campaign contributions, his con-

tinuing dedication to improving the lives of others, and for his leadership and devotion to helping us all LIVE UNITED, Johnny Garrett is the winner of the 2015 Regina Bartlett Fundraiser of the Year Award.

During the 2015 Campaign, Garrett made increasing United Way fundraising a personal mission. First, he led by example, significantly increasing his personal commitment to the campaign, sponsoring our annual golf scramble, and filling two tables at the Boots & Bling gala.

Then, Garrett put his name on the line by personally ask-ing others to give. He organized a direct-mail solicitation tar-geted at community leaders who could make a difference in the community. In large part due to his efforts, United Way of Sumner County contributions from professional and indi-vidual donors not associated with workplace campaigns in-creased from $20,000 in 2014 to more than $49,000 in 2015, an astounding increase of 145%.

Servpro Industries, Inc. wins Most Improved honor

Servpro Industries, Inc., is United Way’s 2015 Most Improved Campaign Award winner. With an increase of more than 11% in employee giving, which was doubled by the Gallatin company’s dollar-for-dollar corporate match, and a total contribution of more than $42,000, Servpro raised the bar in 2015 and is building a foundation for additional growth in the future.

City of Hendersonville takes Best Event honors

The City of Hendersonville won Best Campaign Event honors in 2015 by combining pop culture buzz with the serious topic of food insecurity to cre-ate a fundraising and awareness event known as the “End Hunger Games and Chili Cook-off.” The city’s United Way campaign saw a 27% increase in em-ployee giving and reported a campaign total of $5,395.

Peyton’s Mid-South earnsMost Innovative Award

Peyton’s Mid-South won the 2015 Most Innovative Campaign Award by embracing UWSC’s campaign mascot, BRUCE, the Million Dollar Moose, and incorporating him into all aspects of a multi-strategy fundraising campaign. Through this unique campaign, employ-ee giving increased 29%, boosting the company’s total United Way fundraising to $6,045.

There are many ways to make a differ-ence, but for those wanting to roll up their sleeves and take part in community build-ing, United Way of Sumner County has a variety of activities that fit the bill.

Our Quarterly Days of Action are de-signed to meet specific needs across the county, but they all need one thing to be successful: your involvement. Whether con-tributing to collection drives, serving as a volunteer to make these events happen, or working with a group to improve conditions

at a United Way partner agency, participat-ing in Days of Action is a great way to get involved and improve the lives of others.

No matter your time or expertise, each of our Days of Action includes opportunities for volunteers who are looking to make a posi-tive impact. Whether serving on a planning committee, assisting with the pickup of do-nated items, or doing work with your hands, your participation in a Quarterly Days of Ac-tion project will provide needed assistance to local residents.

COMMUNITY DIAPER DRIVE - First QuarterUnited Way of Sum-

ner County is in the ear-ly stages of planning its first Community Diaper Drive to provide diapers and possibly other baby items to parents of new-borns facing financial adversity in Sumner County. The schedule and scope of this new Quarterly Day of Action will be determined in the near future. For details about how you can get involved, follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/unitedwaysumner, or on Twitter, @UnitedWaySumner.

DAYS OF CARING - Second QuarterDays of Caring en-

courages local business-es, civic clubs, churches, and other groups to get involved in their commu-nities. Typically held in the spring, Days of Car-ing matches teams of volunteers with projects needing attention at UWSC partner agencies. This activity provides a great opportunity for team building, fellowship, and learning about needs that exist across Sumner County , all while giving back to the commu-nity in a meaningful way. More than 30 volunteers took part in Days of Caring in 2016.

STUFF THE BUS - Third QuarterUnited Way of

Sumner County’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive is held in July and collects and distributes basic materials to stu-dents in need so they can begin the school year ready to learn. In 2015, Stuff the Bus provided back-packs and school supplies to more than 1,300 low-income students across the county before the first day of school. The effort was made possible through the generosity of nearly 100 volunteers and hundreds of individuals who donated.

KIDS COAT DRIVE - Fourth QuarterUnited Way of Sum-

ner County hosts an an-nual Coat Drive in Oc-tober and November to benefit those in need of warm outerwear during the winter months. In 2015, the Coat Drive focused on meeting the needs of children and youth, from birth through high school, and we collected 836 coats, each of which was cleaned free of charge by Signature Cleaners before being distributed to those in need by United Way of Sumner County Partners. Since 2012, the Winter Coat Drive has collected more than 5,400 coats and jackets.

6 - United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report

Days of Action provide community impact

UWSC seeks volunteers for projects throughout the yearUnited Way of Sumner County is

seeking committed volunteers who want to make a difference for others. In 2015-16, volunteers donated more than 2,800 hours of their time, with a value of more than $64,000, to United Way of Sumner County. In the coming year, we are adding a variety of volunteer oppor-tunities for people of all interests, skills, and availability.

Over the next year, we will form com-mittees to plan and assist with the fol-lowing United Way activities:

� Community Diaper Drive; � Stuff the Bus school supply drive; � Days of Caring; � Kids Coat Drive; and � Boots & Bling gala and auction.

Volunteers are also needed for the following types of work at various times during the year:

� Logistics and other support for Quarterly Days of Action;

� Working events such as our Awards Breakfast, Campaign Kick-off, and community events where

we have a United Way of Sumner County booth; and

� Office work, such as stuffing enve-lopes, assembling campaign bags, and more.

If you are interested in becoming a United Way volunteer, please contact UWSC President and CEO Dana M. Given, dana@unitedwaysumner.org, to find out more about any of these volunteer opportunities OR to discuss other ways that you or your business, church, or service club can get involved.

United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report - 7

8 - United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report

One year after coming tantalizingly close, United Way of Sumner County (UWSC) will once again target a goal of rais-ing $1 million during its 2016 fundraising campaign.

During the 2015 campaign, the organization raised a re-cord-setting $930,399. UWSC 2016-17 Board Chair Leisa Byars says the increasing number of needs in the community makes raising $1 million more important than ever before.

“This $930,000 campaign truly reflects the generosity of people across our community,” Byars said. “As Sumner County grows, so does the need. As a result, the importance of United Way and what we do continues to grow. The 2015 campaign was very impressive, and with four of our last five campaigns being record-breaking, we are definitely on the right trajectory.

“Next year’s campaign needs to be more of the same. As the need grows, so must what we raise. I find it really hard to go back off of the million-dollar goal. By the grace of God, the hard work of the people who support us in so many ways, and the generosity of our community, we are going to reach the million-dollar mark next year.”

For the second consecutive year, UWSC will utilize the services of BRUCE, the Million Dollar Moose campaign mas-cot, to build excitement and awareness of its fundraising ef-forts in 2016. After being introduced at the 2015 Campaign Kickoff event, BRUCE (Bringing Relief, Uniting Communities Every day) was a fixture at workplace campaign presen-tations, special events, and fundraising efforts across the county.

According to UWSC President & CEO Dana M. Given, the stuffed mascot serves a valuable purpose.

“Raising $1 million is a big deal, and the attention BRUCE gets when we take him to an event provides a great place

to start the conversation about our organization, the fund-raising campaign, and the work that donations allow us to accomplish in the community,” Given said. “I was actually surprised at the response we received as BRUCE started showing up at campaign events. By the end of the campaign, hundreds of people had been photographed with our mas-cot. By sharing those photos on social media, our message was enhanced by the smiling faces and laughter that were found anywhere BRUCE made an appearance.

“This year, I believe we will be better able to leverage his popularity toward helping us reach our $1 million goal. It may sound silly to say that a stuffed animal is an important part of our campaign strategy, but BRUCE definitely draws attention to our efforts, and his message resonates with everyone.”

UWSC continues march toward $1 million with assistance from Million Dollar Moose

UWSC encourages participation in 2016-17 activitiesAs United Way of Sumner Coun-

ty strives to raise $1 million during its 2016 Campaign, the public is invited to get involved by participating in a variety of fundraising, community impact, and celebratory events throughout the year.

According to UWSC President & CEO Dana M. Given, community in-volvement by local individuals and busi-nesses is the key to bringing positive change to Sumner County.

“We spend a lot of time each year talking about the things this community needs in order to address the needs of our friends and neighbors,” Given said. “The simple answer is that we need you! Your donated dollars, volunteer hours, and support are what brings your Unit-ed Way to life and makes it possible for us to support our 31 health and human service partners throughout the county.

“Whether attending a fundraising event, taking part in our community impact efforts, or attending one of our celebrations, I hope everyone will take the opportunity to get involved with our effort to improve the quality of life for all Sumner Countians in the coming year.”

The 2016-17 UWSC Calendar is highlighted by four Quarterly Days of Action community impact activities, the annual Campaign Kickoff, our annual Campaign Celebration Breakfast, the UWSC Charity Golf Scramble, and the Boots & Bling Gala and Auction.

The following is a tentative list of events currently planned by United Way of Sumner County for the coming year.

• July 5-22, 2016 - Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive

• TBA - 2016 Campaign Kickoff

• Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 - 4th Annual UWSC Charity Golf Scramble at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in Hendersonville

• Oct. 19 - Nov. 11 - Winter Coat Drive

• 1st Quarter 2017, TBA - Community Diaper Drive

• Saturday, March 4, 2017 - Boots & Bling Gala and Auction at Bagsby Ranch in Gallatin

• TBA - 2016 UWSC Campaign Cele-bration Breakfast

• May 2017 - Days of Caring

Please visit unitedwaysumner.org, or follow us on Facebook, for the lat-est details of each event, how you can get involved, and the announcement of new activities throughout the year.

United Way of Sumner County 2015-16 Annual Report - 9

UWSC announces $631,382 in allocations for 2016-17United Way of Sumner County

Funded Partner Agencies2016-17

AllocationEDUCATION

Achievement in the Making (Gallatin Shalom Zone) $11,000.00Community Child Care Services $30,000.00Decisions, Choices, & Options $6,000.00Gallatin Day Care Center $50,000.00Kids on the Block (S.T.A.R.S.) $7,000.00Literacy Council of Sumner County $10,000.00Rainbow Early Intervention (H.A.T.S.) $20,000.00S.C. Adult Education Advisory Council $5,000.00Sumner County 4-H $8,000.00

Education Total $147,000.00

INCOMEGood Neighbor Mission $37,000.00Hendersonville Samaritan Association $15,000.00Portland C.A.R.E.S. $40,000.00St. Vincent de Paul Society $25,000.00Westmoreland Food Bank (Amazing Grace) $28,000.00

Income Total $145,000.00

HEALTHAging and Alzheimer’s Program (M.H.A.M.T.) $7,000.00Gallatin Senior Center $11,000.00MCHRA Homemaker Program $15,000.00MCHRA Meals on Wheels $21,000.00MCHRA Ombudsman Program $4,000.00Nurses for Newborns $9,500.00Portland Senior Citizens $9,000.00Salvus Center $20,000.00Senior Citizens of Hendersonville $13,500.00Sexual Risk Avoidance Program (C.C.P.C.) $15,000.00Tennessee Poison Help Hotline $2,000.00

Health Total $127,000.00

REBUILDING LIVESAshley’s Place (S.C. Child Advocacy Center) $17,500.00Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center $25,000.00HomeSafe $18,000.00Legal Aid Society $13,500.00Student Assistance Program (S.T.A.R.S.) $55,000.00Sumner County C.A.S.A. $26,000.00

Rebuilding Lives Total $155,000.00

2-1-1 Help Line Allocation $7,000.00Designations to Non-Partner Agencies/Other UW’s $50,382.00

ALLOCATIONS/DESIGNATIONS TOTAL $631,382.00

United Way of Sumner County will allocate $631,382 to 31 funded partners serving Sumner County residents, the Middle Tennessee 2-1-1 help-line, non-partner agencies, and other United Ways during the 2016-17 fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017.

The allocations were made possible by donations from more than 4,000 donors during the 2015 United Way of Sumner County (UWSC) fundraising campaign.

More than 40 local volunteers from across Sumner County donated their time and expertise to deter-mine the 2016-17 allocations for UWSC’s 31 funded partners in the Education, Income/Financial Stability, Health, and Rebuilding Lives focus areas. The vol-unteers reviewed agency financials, studied funding applications, made agency site visits, heard agency presentations, and determined allocation recom-mendations. Those recommendations were then re-viewed by the UWSC Executive Allocations Commit-tee, which made its recommendations to the UWSC Board of Directors. The Board approved those rec-ommendations at its meeting in May.

“We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of allocations and budget review volunteers who put in many hours of work to determine the allocation of funds raised during our campaign,” said UWSC President & CEO Dana M. Given. “The complexity of their task grows each year as we identify more needs in our county, and I can’t thank these individ-uals enough for taking on a difficult job and accom-plishing it very well.”

SUMNER COUNTYUnited Way of Sumner County will allocate

$574,000 to programs in Sumner County focused on improving the daily lives and future opportunities of local residents. The allocations will fund programs that provide services in the areas of education, in-come/financial stability, health, and rebuilding lives. More than 46,000 Sumner County needs were ad-dressed by last year’s allocations, and that number continues to grow each year.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE 2-1-1 HELPLINE

Also announced was United Way of Sumner County’s annual allocation to the Middle Tennessee 2-1-1 helpline service — a national United Way ini-tiative that provides around-the-clock referral of local callers to appropriate human service agencies and disaster relief resources. For 2016-17, UWSC will al-locate $7,000 to the 2-1-1 helpline program.

DESIGNATIONS TO NON-PARTNER AGENCIES/OTHER UNITED WAYS

During the annual United Way fundraising cam-paign, some donors designate their gifts to non-profit agencies that are not UWSC partners or to other Unit-ed Ways. During the 2015 campaign, those donor-di-rected designations totaled $50,382. These funds will also be dispersed during the 2016-17 fiscal year.

HOW TOLIVE UNITEDIN SUMNER COUNTY:JOIN HANDS.OPEN YOUR HEART.LEND YOUR MUSCLE.FIND YOUR VOICE. GIVE 10% GIVE 100% GIVE 110%.GIVE AN HOUR. THINK OF WE BEFORE ME. REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND

INFLUENCETHE CONDITION OF ALL.

Want to make a difference? United Way is creating, lasting change, by focusing on Education, Income, Health, and Rebuilding Lives. That’s what it means to Live United. WWW.UNITEDWAYSUMNER.ORG.

United Wayof Sumner County

United Way of Sumner County • 1531 Hunt Club Boulevard, Suite 110 • Gallatin, TN 37066 • Phone:(615) 461-8371