Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

High Country United Way Fulfills Campaign Goal

Story by Corinne Saunders

“Even in these hard, unpredictable economic times, people in Avery and Watauga counties and from outside the counties have continued to give,” said High Country United Way Executive Director Jenny Miller.

“For the past three years, we have been able to increase our goal,” Miller added.

The United Way met its 2007-08 goal of raising $600,000 even before the official end of the campaign on March 31. All the money will be distributed locally, in accordance with the organization’s mission.

The United Way strives to provide “human and financial resources to improve the quality of life for all in Avery and Watauga counties,” and the annual campaign raises money to be distributed to 25 local partner agencies that target various aspects of area residents’ well-being—including hunger, homelessness, crisis situations and children’s programs.

“At the United Way, we continue to get more and more calls from people desperate for money for heat, mental health needs [and more],” Miller said. “Our present economic condition is really putting a toll on all the agencies in town.”

The United Way sent its second mailing to community members who gave in years past, and they gave again, helping the organization meet its goal, Miller said.

The campaign funds will be distributed to the partner agencies to increase their resources and help them run their respective programs, she added. Applications for funding were sent out March 14 and are due back Friday, April 4; call the United Way office if your agency needs an extension.

The allocations committees will meet June 7 in the Holmes Convocation Center, listen to presentations from agencies requesting funding and make recommendations to the board for how to distribute the money. Approximately 30 Avery and Watauga county citizens serve on the allocations committees, Miller said.

“Joan and Dick Hearn run the allocations committees, Miller continued. “If you want to serve on the committees, call them at 828-295-4767.” Interested persons may also call the United Way office at 828-265-2111.

Serving on a committee is a unique way to learn about the positive efforts of agencies in the community, as well as to be involved with allocations that will make a difference in the lives of so many of High Country residents.

Anyone in the community is invited to drop by the High Country United Way office—located in the back of the lobby in the downtown RBC Centura Bank—with questions or just to chat, Miller said.