Quinte Way Executive Director Judi Gilbert thanks the community at the annual celebration breakfast at the Greek Hall in Belleville on January 18, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward is recognizing its many volunteers and contributors who donated to the 2016 campaign.
At its annual celebration breakfast Wednesday, Executive Director Judi Gilbert said while they didn’t meet their $2.1 million dollar goal they want to celebrate everyone who helped bring in $1.96 million dollars.
Community Investments Director Amy Watkins echoed Gilbert’s sentiments that said while the number posted ($1.96 million) doesn’t reflect the $2.1 million goal posted in September, it does reflect an incredible effort and countless hours of dedication by everyone involved.
Outstanding Commitment Awards were presented to: Safe Start, Hannon Systems, the Hastings Housings Resource Centre, the Belleville Police Service, McDougall Insurance and Shelley Lee Wert. Hastings County’s Policy and Planning Coordinator Carmela Ruberto received the Jack Hartling Volunteer of the Year Award.
Maurice Rollins was praised for his ‘gracious’ sponsor of the $100,000 Leadership Challenge where he matched donations through it dollar for dollar. Proctor and Gamble received praise for its generous $522,000 contribution in December.
All funds raised go to support 40 agencies and around 100 programs. Gilbert said the funding shortfall will have some impact.
During the celebration it was also acknowledged that this will be Gilbert’s last campaign and a new executive director will be chosen by the board likely in February.
In her speech Gilbert said it has been an ‘incredible six years’.
“What will stick with me is your generosity and commitment to United Way,” she beamed. “You continue to give financially while we all are feeling the economic pinch…I have said it on many occasions how blessed I am to have worked with you and cannot express the gratitude I feel.”
