By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

After an “exceedingly” successful fundraising campaign for Chilton County United Way, two dedicated contributors to the organization were awarded at an appreciation luncheon on Feb. 27.

Former Chilton County United Way chairperson Yolanda Boggs and long-time supporter Curtis Smith were presented “special awards” at the surprise conclusion to an award ceremony recognizing United Way agencies for their support throughout the year.

The presentations were met with delight.

Now passing her torch to Mary Mell Smith, Boggs was recognized for the three years she served as chairperson.

“She is the one that really pulled us out of the ditch about three years ago,” Smith said, handing Boggs her plague. “We were not doing very well … and she picked up the pieces and pushed and shoved and did everything she could to get us back to where we are today.”

Curtis Smith was recognized for his faithful commitment to Chilton County United Way since he first helped form the Chilton County nonprofit over 40 years ago, according to office manager Dale Mims of United Way.

“Mr. Curtis Smith has been on this board forever,” Mary Mell Smith said. “He really, really helped United Way.”

Smith’s wife Marjorie Smith accepted the plaque on his behalf.

The United Way Appreciation Luncheon is one of two major Chilton County United Way events each year.

The fall Kickoff initiates the nonprofit’s annual campaign for funds with its announcement of a fundraising goal. At the campaign’s conclusion, the appreciation luncheon honors agencies for their support in striving to meet the goal.

Boggs said the 2017-2018 campaign goal of $175,000 was exceeded, calling for much celebration with the 2018 appreciation luncheon. The goal was $20,000 more than three years ago when Boggs first stepped into her position as chairperson.

“It’s not us. We didn’t do it,” Boggs told agency representatives. “You guys opened your hearts, and you gave.”

Special features at the event included live entertainment by the Blast from the Past cast and catering by Country Lane Too.

As guest speaker, Lori Patterson of Clanton YMCA shared several YMCA goals for impacting Chilton County children and thanked Chilton County United Way for its financial assistance in helping meet its goals.

Probate Judge Bobby Martin, brother to event emcee and United Way chairperson Mary Mell Smith, announced agency award recipients.

The following are the Chilton County United Way 2017-2018 campaign award recipients.

• Top Individual Donors: Earl Davis, Linda Northcutt, Kathryn Crouthers, Morris and Jerome Price, Tome and Shirley Brown, Kirk Stokes and Wayne McKinnon.
• Top Business Donors: Clanton Lions Club, Spire, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Alabama Power Foundation.
• Workplace Campaign Donors: Adient, Merchants Foodservice, Alabama Southern Company, Hyundai, Walmart Supercenter, Chilton County Board of Education, EBSCO Industries Inc., Peoples Southern Bank, Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center Inc., Principal Financial Group, Chilton County Commission, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center and AT&T.

“Thanks to everybody who helped us reach our goal,” Smith said. “It’s because of you that we were able to do that.”

For more information, or to donate to Chilton County United Way, please visit unitedway.org or the United Way of Chilton County Facebook page.