Special to Iredell Free News

The United Way of Iredell County announced Saturday that it exceeded its 2022-2023 campaign goal, reaching 104 percent of the goal in the organization’s first countywide campaign.

Contributions from individuals and participating businesses/industries totaled about $828,000, according to Executive Director Brett Eckerman.

“Thanks to the hard work of our campaign cabinet members, the generosity of corporate donors, as well as individual gifts, we were able to raise the necessary funds to support the important and on-going community investment work happening right here in Iredell County,” the nonprofit said in a news release. “This resource development achievement highlights our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve across the county.”

Kim Atwell, 2022-2023 campaign co-chair, credited the hard work and generosity of numerous companies and individuals for the accomplishment.

“We had many new donors join this effort and so many of our long-standing supporters dug extra deep as well,” she said. “The impact of this effort will be felt in tens of thousands of lives changed for the better during the year ahead.”

“As the recently retired CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, I’ve seen firsthand the difference these funds will make in our community,” campaign co-chair Terri Phillips added. “Families in crisis will find food and shelter; children struggling with grief will find comfort and community; our families will be healthier, stronger, and more successful; all because of the decisions made by our donors, volunteers, and advocates across this community. It’s been an honor to be part of such a generous whole county campaign, and we are grateful.”

In the announcement, the United Way acknowledged the efforts of the 2022-2023 campaign cabinet: Kim Atwell, John Childress, Lisa Familo, Nelson Granade, Chris Nichols, Mike Nowell, Terri Phillips, Allison “Bubba” Simmons, Marlene Scott, and Carla Steele.