TARBORO —
ROCKY MOUNT — “Neighbors helping neighbors.” That’s how Chris Miller, United Way Tar River Region (TRR) board chair, described the non-profit organization’s work at a fundraising campaign kickoff at the Imperial Centre in Rocky Mount Thursday evening.
This year’s fundraising goal is $1.2 million. United Way TRR serves both Edgecombe and Nash Counties.
“This year’s theme is one that celebrates our two-county region. It focuses on how connected we are to those who live and work around us,” said Miller. “Our theme this year is Live United: Keep the Tar River Region flowing.”
United Way had oars at the kickoff event to illustrate the river theme.
“You may be up the creek, but you’ll never be without a paddle,” joked Lisa Nelson, United Way Twin-County campaign co-chair, as she grabbed an oar.
“We challenge each of you to help us raise funds to help improve the quality of life issues for those in our local community. We support 41 health and human services programs and 21 partner agencies,” said Phillip Lowe, Edgecombe County campaign chair and plant operations manager at Piedmont Natural Gas.
His charge to Edgecombe County residents is to “dig down” in their pockets and give more this year, because there are “more needy [community members] now than ever.”
“As a leader in the community, I feel that it is my duty to contribute to one single organization that is responsible for addressing so many needs right here in the community,” said Calvin Balance, United Way donor and plant manager of Cummins-Rocky Mount Engine Plant.
Rosella Campbell is one of the community members that has benefited from a United Way partner agency – the Boys and Girls Club. She has participated in the Project Learn program at the club for eight years.
“As a child, I faced many obstacles growing up. I’ve experienced being homeless, being involved in a gang, family hardships and low grades,” Campbell shared with the audience of United Way donors. “Being involved in this program [Project Learn] has improved my life. I am now an honor roll student and I have plans to go to college…I would like to thank each of you for contributing to United Way to support other children like me.”
Keeping children in school to increase their chances of achieving career success and earning a decent income is one of the primary goals of United Way, said Miller.
United Way TRR raised $1,2,600 in last year’s campaign for the organization’s 60th anniversary. Lowe said Piedmont Natural Gas has had 100 percent participation from employees in the United Way campaign for the past eight years.
“We’ve got a great bunch of employees who give from the heart,” he said, adding the campaign is “high energy” and “a lot of fun.”
An incentive to donate to this year’s fundraising campaign is the chance to win a Honda for a year lease or 12,000 miles. All Care Share and Leadership donors will be entered in the drawing.
“Be on the lookout … the car will travel to companies throughout the Twin-County region during the campaign,” said Neill Nelson, United Way Twin-County campaign co-chair and employee at Davenport Auto, which is making the Honda available.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Lisa Nelson (center) uses an oar to illustrate the theme for this year's fundraising campaign for the United Way Tar River Region: "Live United: Keep the Tar River Region Flowing." Pictured to Nelson's left is her husband Neill; the two are fundraising campaign co-chairs. To Nelson's right isUnited Way board chair Chris Miller.
Tar River United Way campaign gets under way
- Local News
-
-
Edgecombe Community College receives national award
Edgecombe Community College (ECC) received a national award Tuesday night for its efforts to prepare students to be successful in careers and the workplace.
Edgecombe was among four honorees that received national awards in Washington, D.C., during a gala that concluded ACT’s inaugural College and Career Readiness Campaign. -
County gospel choir to celebrate 20th anniversary
The Edgecombe County High School Gospel Choir, under the direction of founder Kristian Herring, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a live concert Sunday.
“You will hear some traditional choral music, energetic spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel,” said Antonio Suggs, choir advisor. -
Gas prices in Tarboro lower than state average
With Memorial Day Weekend around the corner, travelers on U.S. 64 exiting into Tarboro could discover some of the cheapest gas in North Carolina.
On Wednesday, Murphy Express reported the cheapest gas at $3.35 while Hadi's, Raceway and Hess prices were one cent higher. -
Tar River United Way recognizes ‘community champions’
“Be the change” was the theme of a United Way Tar River Region luncheon Wednesday at The Gateway Convention Center in Rocky Mount. United Way TRR recognized “community champions,” celebrated the success of its 2012 fundraising campaign and encouraged volunteers and partner agencies to “be the change” they want to see in the community.
-
America in Bloom judges’ visit Tarboro next month
Tarboro’s America in Bloom (AIB) steering committee is gearing up for the AIB judges’ visit to town next month. AIB is a national non-profit organization that promotes “beautification through education and community involvement.”
“Please join us as Tarboro prepares for the visit of national AIB judges on June 17 and 18,” said AIB co-chair Connie Sherrill in a competition planning update. “Help us bring out the beauty of our exceptional town.” -
Local Principal Completes Leadership Program
Donnell Brown, principal of Phillips Middle School, recently completed the Distinguished Leadership Program (DLP), a yearlong leadership development program for practicing school principals designed and provided by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principal’s Association (NCPAPA) in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and UNC-LearnNC.
-
Woman faces 32 charges
A Tarboro woman's scam has led authorities to arrest her on 28 charges.
According to a Tarboro Police Department report, Jennifer Ann Carr, 29, 1609 Barlow Rd. Apt. 9, took out loans in the names of 16 customers of a local business from January through April. Carr was employed through a temp agency with a local business, said Tarboro Police Sgt. Al Braxton. Braxton said the total loan amount netted $4,300.
Carr was charged with 16 counts of identity theft and 16 counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. She was place in Edgecombe County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond.
-
Two suspects arrested on 36 charges; third issued citation
After executing a search warrant Thursday on a residence at 500 W. Johnston St. in Tarboro, police officers arrested two suspects for possessing a small amount of marijuana and issued a third suspect a citation for possessing a glass pipe to smoke the drugs.
After the marijuana was found, officers notified two of the three suspects that they also had additional warrants on them from the department's "Spring Fling" drug campaign where they had sold marijuana to undercover officers. -
Introductory Latin class beginning Tuesday
Want a leg up in a medical terminology course? Anatomy? Physical science? Take a look at Latin, perhaps the best grounding for all education.
Not convinced? Just ask Stephen Herring, instructor of religion, geography, and developmental studies at Edgecombe Community College (ECC). He will teach an Introductory Latin class beginning Tuesday. The class will meet at Fleming 218 on the Tarboro campus. -
NTSB wants to lower DWI blood alcohol levels
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a bold set of targeted interventions to put the United States on course to eliminate alcohol-impaired related crashes. They have given recommendations that call for stronger laws, swifter enforcement and expanded use of technology.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
