CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Among 250 local supporters, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region hosted its Annual Membership Meeting and Campaign Celebration at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center Thursday. Reflecting this year’s aviation related campaign theme, the event recognized local contributors, volunteers and partners for their dedicated efforts to pilot change in the community.

Following the recognition of notable achievements, Campaign Chair Garnett Ladd punctuated that perspective. Arriving via helicopter at Liberty Park, he and pilot Joel Boyer surprised attendees with a fly-by just outside the venue. As guests looked to the sky, Ladd released a banner announcing the total funds raised during the 2016-2017 campaign of $1,081,065.

“This year’s campaign theme took flight from the concept that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. In that spirit, we have challenged our community to see things from a different perspective. You are here today because you took the time to stop, take a better look, and help make a better life.

With your feet on the ground and your actions at lofty heights, you spoke for those who need a voice and you offered wings of hope for those who need it most,” said local United Way CEO, Ginna Holleman, as she welcomed guests. “In order to have the best outlook on something, it’s often advantageous to view it from above, to see the big picture and everything working together all at once.”

This year’s total is the sum of 2016 – 2017 campaign revenue plus $130,000 in nonprofit funding that was received from Montgomery County and distributed in the 2016 allocations,” explained Norm Brumblay, local United Way Board President.

“We are grateful to each individual, business and organization for your contributions, as well as for the opportunity to expand United Way’s revenue potential through our partnership with Montgomery County. The collective impact furthers United Way’s ability to meet the needs of our community, yet those needs continue to skyrocket,” said Brumblay.

Annually, United Way presents campaign awards to recognize outstanding achievements of local volunteers and partners. Top honors were presented to Legends Bank for earning the coveted Ben C. Parks Award, recognizing the workplace partner with the Best Overall Campaign.

Other prestigious awards and recognition’s were presented including the Robert R. Welch Founders Award which was given to Publix after 279 Publix associates gave a total of $71,194.

The Highest Giving Campaign went to Trane/Ingersoll Rand. Trane and its employees contributed $204,365 to the campaign.

Fortera Credit Union was presented the Inspire Award.

James Corlew Chevrolet and Cadillac was presented the Way to Grow Award.

The Ambassador’s Award was given to Norm Brumblay.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Princess Lagan.

The Outstanding Board Member of the Year was recognized as Garnett Ladd.

The Director’s Award was accepted by the Sexual Assault Center.

Incoming members of the Board of Directors were installed for a term of three years. Newly elected Directors and those re-elected include: Dr. Rex Gandy, Austin Peay State University; Elliott Herzlich; Jill Hootman, Trane; Emily Vaugh,CMCSS; Carol Daniels; Alan McCampbell, Katherine Purnell, Daymar Institute; and Angie Gardner, Cumberland Bank.

Reflecting the piloting change concept, Colonel Salome Herrera, USA, Retired, was the guest speaker and shared his unique perspective as an army aviator. Colonel Herrera is former deputy commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and has dedicated nearly 30 years to military service. The event concludes United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region’s 2016-2017 campaign season.

United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region fights for the education, health and financial stability of local residents. Campaign funds are distributed to well performing local partner programs serving these initiatives. For more information, visit www.liveunitedclarksville.