By Ed Enoch / Staff Writer
Posted Aug 13, 2019 at 7:23 PM
The United Way of West Alabama hopes to raise more than $4.2 million during 2019 in support of its partner organizations.
“If and when we meet this year’s goal, we will have raised more than $114 million for West Alabama,” campaign chairman Norman Crow Jr. said. “We need to make this campaign one to remember.”
The United Way announced its 2019 goal Tuesday during its annual kickoff luncheon at the Bryant Conference Center on the University of Alabama campus.
Click HERE for more photos from the United Way kickoff.
The 2018 campaign led by chairman Jordan Plaster raised more than $4 million. The 2019 campaign goal is the largest in the organization’s history. The goal is $200,000 greater than the 2018 goal, a nod to the city’s bicentennial celebration this year.
“If we can achieve all we have in the last 200 years, we can definitely do this, too,” Crow said.
Crow recounted the city’s history from the state capital, to the civil rights movement, and the tragedies of the April 2011 tornado.
“Over the past 200 years, we have shown we have the heart to suffer disasters and tragedies ... and learn to rebuild better than we once were,” Crow said.
The United Way of West Alabama has served the communities in West Alabama for nearly three quarters of a century. Its first campaign goal was $63,000, Crow said. The latest goal reflects the ongoing needs in West Alabama, he said. The United Way’s 211 assistance line is fielding calls for fans because of the hot weather, assistance with utility bills and help with school supplies as the academic year begins, Crow said.
“It is amazing that we have all of these and more organizations that support the community,” Crow said. “You probably know someone who has benefited from our programs.”
Around one in four West Alabamians have received assistance through once of the United Way’s partner organizations, he said.
On Tuesday, the United Way showed its Live United video showcasing the work by the organizations it supports and the people who have been helped as a result. The video introduced domestic abuse survivor Ella Delois Stewart.
Stewart arrived at Turning Point with her two daughters in 1997 after fleeing an abusive home situation.
“From my heart, I do know that without Turning Point, I would not be here,” Stewart said in the video.
Stewart, who spoke after the video as well, told the audience Turning Point provided her and her children the resources and support to begin again.
“I can honestly say I am so so blessed to be here today. Thank you to everyone for your giving to United Way and Turning Point. I am but one story of many of how your support made a difference,” said Stewart, who is now a Turning Point board member and who is working on a social work degree at UA.
