Thursday, February 14, 2008
Jennifer Frew (The
News Herald)
Edna Weller, left, has been named
the Interim Executive Director of Burke County United Way, following the
departure of Thaddeus Huff this month. Weller is pictured with Marc
Sholar during the organization's annual meeting Thursday in Morganton.
Morganton - A changing of the guard
took place Thursday at the United Way's annual meeting.
Edna Weller was
named interim executive director of the agency. She will replace Thaddeus
Huff, who resigned this week.
Jeff Morse took over
as incoming president of the board. He replaces Marc Sholar who completed
his term as president Thursday.
Members of various
agencies attended the luncheon, which also addressed fundraising efforts
from the past year.
Weller is the
director of outreach and development and volunteer coordinator for Burke
Hospice and Palliative Care.
Phil Howerton Jr., a
retiring board member, gave the nominating committee report revealing the
new slate of board members.
Both Robert Belville
and Weller are retiring from the board.
Six members were
proposed for the new term, which ends in 2011.
Rod Harrelson, the
second vice president and the campaign chair for 2007, reviewed the 2007
campaign results with the attendees.
With the goal set at
$850,000, the United Way managed to raise $720,000 in 2007. Participating
agencies were recognized according to the amount raised per employee
corresponding to bronze, silver and gold categories.
Toner Machining
received special recognition for its increased effort in raising funds in
2007.
The business
experienced a 42 percent increase in donations per employee, totaling $550
per employee.
Harrelson said the
first question he asked himself when appointed the chairman was, "Can we
have fun?" In an effort to have fun, Harrelson initiated the ACC
Challenge. Volunteers created teams, which they named after regional
college teams.
Sholar continued the
luncheon by discussing the community assessment performed by the United
Way. Each attendee received a summary report of the Road Map for Impact
and the complete report can be accessed online.
R.L. Icard was the
recipient of the T. Henry Wilson Community Builder Award. Wayne Abele Sr.
the recipient in 2007 presented the award.
Abele said the award
goes to a person who has an impact on the community impact reflects the
diversity of the community through active leadership.
The luncheon
concluded when Morse applauded Sholar for his dedication as the 2007
president and thanked the audience for attending.
Morse said the
United Way will be looking at new direction and was confident the
leadership in the room will guide the agency in the right direction.
