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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) that serves Chilton County and other counties exceeded its 2024 annual campaign goal by more than $1.2 million, ending another successful year for the nonprofit.

A total of $38,700,502 was raised during UWCA’s annual campaign in 2024 to support more than the 100 partner agencies, programs and direct services focused on addressing critical community needs such as hunger, education and mental health. These funds will go out to those agencies and programs in Chilton County, as well as Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties.

“This $38.7 million number is representative of all of your hard work,” Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank and Chairman of this year’s United Way campaign, said in a press release. “At United Way, we’re about trying to change and improve lives for the people of Central Alabama, so I want to thank each and every one of you for what you’ve done, your contribution and your commitment to this mission.”

Abrahams thanked the around 200 UWCA volunteers, staff and partners in attendance for the success of the campaign during a celebratory event in Birmingham earlier this December. Also in attendance was Renasant Bank’s Tracey Morant Adams, Ph.D., Chairman of the United Way of Central Alabama’s Community Impact Committee. Adams pointed out the impact that will come from the successful fundraising efforts by the nonprofit.

“Our partner agencies stand ready to channel these resources into initiatives that will improve our community by addressing critical needs, whether in education, healthcare, mental health, housing or other vital community programs,” Adams said.

At the celebratory event in Birmingham, Ron and Kelly Morrison were named recipients of the Mervyn H. Sterne Award, an honor given annually to the person or people who made the most significant contribution to the year’s campaign. The Morrisons are both members of the UWCA’s Tocqueville Society and are Chairmen’s of this year’s Tocqueville Cabinet. They have recruited more than 80 new members to the society since becoming members — a society that is made up of donors who contribute $10,000 or more to UWCA annually

President and CEO of the United Way of Central Alabama spoke at the celebratory event and stated it is important to celebrate the hard work of volunteers and staff that led to a successful campaign. However, he noted that the work does not stop here.

“Today, we reflect not only on all that has been accomplished during this campaign, but on the strength of our continued mission to come together and support our neighbors in times of need,” said Langloh.

For more information about this year’s campaign, visit www.uwca.org/campaign/2024.