NEWBERRY — Newberry’s Kraft Heinz Company took top honors in two categories at United Way of the Midlands’ Live United Awards ceremony after raising $574,606 in donations, a $140,000 increase over last year.
As a result Brian LaRue, materials and distribution manager, Kat Longerbeam, human resources manager, and Tammy Duncan, administrative assistant to the plant manager, took home a Community Champion Award and a Division Chairman’s Award from the March 2 ceremony at the Columbia Convention Center.
Pioneer Frozen Foods also was recognized with a Gold Award for per capita a giving level in excess of $150 and Newberry Electric Cooperative with a Bronze Award for a $56 per capita giving level.
To date, Newberry County companies have raised nearly $645,000, some $100,000 more than the goal set by the local Newberry County campaign committee last summer.
“Without the support of organizations throughout the Midlands, United Way’s work to improve early childhood education, end homelessness and provide access to quality healthcare would not be possible,” said Mac Bennett, president and CEO of United Way. “This is just one small way to recognize these companies for their impact on our community.”
In total, more than 200 companies were honored based on giving level, employee participation and volunteerism during the event which was emceed by campaign co-chairs Mike Brenan, president of BB&T, and Sara Fawcett, vice president of human resources at EDENS.
Community Champion Awards also were presented to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Publix Super Markets for their combined contributions of more than $2.9 million to the
Though the campaign officially ends on June 30, United Way is projecting a record-breaking $11 million campaign which will fund programs focused on improving education, financial stability and health throughout its six-county footprint.