Clarksville, TN – (CLARKSVILLENOW) United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region set the final stage for the 2018 – 2019 campaign at the Annual Meeting and Campaign Celebration on Thursday. Just under 300 local residents came out to celebrate the grand total and community accomplishments. This year, the community raised a total of $1,051,157.

Held each year, the meeting recognizes campaign achievements and honors volunteer leadership as well as the election of local officers and board members for 2019-2020. Lesa Goder, chair of the Nominating Committee, announced First Ladies Cynthia Pitts and Mary Ireland Durrett will serve as campaign chairs for the upcoming year.

The luncheon festivities also included the reveal of an original signature artwork, which is given to Jack B. Turner in recognition of his contribution as a Tocqueville Society member. This year’s signature artist was Olasubomi Aka-Bashorun. The piece represents United Way’s work throughout the community as it shows their mission to give opportunity to those in need, said Ola.

Concluding this year’s giving campaign, United Way applauded volunteers, contributors, workplace partners and partner agency programs for playing their parts to strengthen the lives of local residents and the community as a whole.

Presentation of campaign awards is a highlight of the event, including the legendary Ben C. Parks Award. Established in 1990 to honor the memory of Mr. Parks, a dedicated United Way supporter, this award recognizes a company or business that has conducted the best overall workplace campaign. Legends Bank received the award for their outstanding support of United Way.

Numerous other campaign achievement and volunteer awards were also presented throughout the event.

● Robert R. Welch Founder’s Award: Michael Buchanan, Kenwood Middle School
● Highest Contributing Workplace Campaign: Trane
● Inspire Award: Anthony Barnett, Bridgestone Metalpha
● Way To Grow: Tennova Healthcare
● Ambassador’s Award: Ginna Holleman
● Volunteer Leadership Award: Susie Yonkers, CEMC
● Outstanding Board Member of the Year: Kyle Luther, First Advantage Bank
● Agency Director’s Award: Chris Bureck, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville

United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region fights for the education, health and financial stability of local residents. For more information about United Way, please contact the local office or visit www.liveunitedclarksville.org.