Pictured with the updated thermometer are, from left, Jason Pike, cabinet member, Blue Ridge Burke Insurance; Beth Pequeno, campaign manager, United Fund of Surry; Tina Johnson, cabinet member, Surrey Bank & Trust; Brenda Harding, Surrey Bank & Trust; Allison Poteat, 2011-2012 campaign chairman, Workforce Carolina; Traci Hamilton, cabinet member, Workforce Carolina; Steven McRae: 2011-2012 campaign vice chairman.

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The United Fund of Surry’s annual campaign has reached 70 percent of its $525,000 goal through employee campaigns at local businesses and donations by individuals. These donations will support the 26 different agencies dependent on allocations from United Fund of Surry.

“Without donations from people in Surry County, we would not be able to fund many programs vital to the well being of people in our community,” explains Kate Appler, executive director of United Fund of Surry.

“Our agencies touch everyone’s lives in some way in Surry County, be it one of the five rescue squads, hospice, or Red Cross, for example. We especially want to thank three local businesses that have had 100 percent participation in their employee campaigns,” said Beth Pequeno, campaign manager for United Fund. “This shows a tremendous amount of commitment on the part of the business owners and their employees. These businesses also showed growth in their campaign giving as well. We call them our Hometown Heroes.”

The largest business with 100 percent participation is Surrey Bank & Trust. Pequeno said the bank always been a strong supporter of United Fund, but this year each employee contributed to the annual campaign. Bank President Ted Ashby told employees at the United Fund presentation that this is the only charity the bank allows to come in and ask for donations because it covers almost every need in the community. He challenged the group to reach the goal of 100 percent, be it a one time donation or through payroll deduction.

“The employees took this challenge to heart and everyone took part in supporting United Fund and how they make Surry County a better place to live,”said Ashby.

Brenda Harding has organized the campaign at the bank for many years and will be retiring in June.

“It’s a great way to end my time as the campaign coordinator at the bank. I am very proud of how the employees have increased their support over the years,” said Harding.

Workforce Carolina and Blue Ridge Burke Insurance also experienced 100 percent participation in their employee campaigns and as a result, their contribution to United Fund of Surry increased.

“All three companies also have employees on our cabinet which is made up of professionals who help me contact the hundreds of businesses in the county for contributions and holding employee campaigns,” states Pequeno. “Their help is essential to the campaign. Tina Johnson works for Surrey Bank and has made many key contacts. Allison Poteat works for Workforce Carolina and is our campaign chairman this year. Traci Hamilton also works at Workforce and has lined up several employee campaigns. Jason Pike works for Blue Ridge Burke and is new to the area. He has jumped right in and had been a great help,” said Pequeno.

The United Fund of Surry funds 26 agencies serving youth development, the special needs population, and elderly/hospice care. These agencies provide such services as emergency medical services, delivering meals to the home bound, child abuse/neglect intervention, medical care for working poor, food for needy, and housing for low income families and the like.

The United Fund of Surry also funds 2-1-1, the number to call if someone is in need of services, much like 9-1-1 is for emergencies. 2-1-1 is a resource center connecting callers who have needs with agencies who provide services. All the money raised by the United Fund of Surry stays local. The United Fund of Surry is governed by a volunteer board of directors. For more information, visit www.unitedfundofsurry.org and join our page on Facebook.