United Way of St. Charles Holds Largest Campaign in History, Raises $3,375,810
United Way of St. Charles announced at their Victory Celebration on Thursday, March 15th that they have raised $3,375,810. This total represents the largest campaign in the organization’s history.
“Due to the generosity of local residents, coupled with that of our area’s various industries and businesses, this year’s campaign total exceeded last year’s record results,” said Jodie Doucet, General Manager of Beaed of Louisiana and UWSC Campaign co-chair for 2017-2018. “This is quite a tribute to members of our community, along with their employers and serves as an example of what makes St. Charles Parish and our United Way so special.”
In addition to Doucet, other 2017-2018 Campaign co-chairs include Brett Woltjen of Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex, Johnny Chavez, Jr. of Dow St. Charles Operations, and Angela Golden of Child Advocacy Services.
“The opportunity to serve as a 2017-2018 Campaign co-chair has definitely renewed my passion for the work I do with Child Advocacy Services in St. Charles Parish,” said co-chair Angela Golden. “I witnessed firsthand businesses and community members going above and beyond to make sure the valuable services supported by United Way of St. Charles are able to not only continue but also to grow and expand. This 2017-2018 Campaign has seen the largest amount received so far, and I cannot be prouder to have been a part of that. Thank you to everyone who participated, your generosity does not go unnoticed!”
The Victory Celebration, held at Cypress Lakes Country Club in Destrehan, announced the accomplishments of United Way of St. Charles’ Annual Campaign and recognized companies with success in their workplace campaigns.
“United Way of St. Charles would like to thank all the local industries, businesses, and individuals for their hard work in making this campaign a success. You all should be very proud,” said John Dias, UWSC Executive Director, as he addressed the audience of company leaders and campaign coordinators.
Companies such as Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex, Valero St. Charles Refinery, Dow St. Charles Operations, Monsanto, OxyChem, Entergy Waterford 3, Zachry Group, Cornerstone Chemical Company, and Rain CII Carbon, received top honors for success in campaign improvement, employee per capita giving, corporate giving, percent participation, and leadership giving.
“I am extremely proud of the women and men of the Dow SCO site for once again exceeding our goals for contributions to United Way,” said Dow Site Director Johnny Chavez, Jr. “They gave of their time and money to make 2017 the most successful year ever.”
Also recognized at the Victory Celebration were the non-industry campaigns of St. Charles Parish Public Schools, Beaed of Louisiana, St. Charles Community Health Center, AM/PM Staffing Services, St. Charles Parish Hospital, First National Bank USA, Arc of St. Charles, St. Charles Parish Government, United Way of St. Charles, and St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Beaed of Louisiana received the Newcomer’s Award for companies who conducted a campaign for the first time in 2017.
The Excellence in Partnership Award was presented to Arc of St. Charles, Alpha Daughters of Zion, Boy Scouts, CADA, Catholic Charities, Child Advocacy Services, Creative Family Solutions, Crisis Assistance Program-St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Girl Scouts, Metro Centers for Community Advocacy, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, River Region Drama Guild, Second Harvest, St. Charles Parish 4-H Clubs, St. Charles Community Health Center, St. Charles Parish Council on Aging, St. Charles Parish Hospital Auxiliary, TRIAD-St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and VIA Link 2-1-1, in celebration of United Way of St. Charles partner agencies who conduct a campaign.
Several St. Charles Parish Public School sites were honored as well, including the Maintenance Department, Luling Elementary, Harry Hurst Middle, Carver Early Learning, R.J. Vial, Mimosa Park, St. Rose Elementary, Norco Elementary, Satellite Center, Landry Alternative, R.K. Smith, New Sarpy Elementary, Cammon Middle, Allemands Elementary, Ethel Schoeffner, and Central Office.
Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex was awarded the highest honor of the night, receiving the UWSC Spirit Award in recognition of the best overall United Way campaign. In 2017-2018, Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex increased their total by 9%, raising $1,1,58,978 for United Way.
“I am so incredibly proud of our employees and their commitment to give back to the communities we live and work in,” said Brett Woltjen, General Manager of Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex. “Their heartfelt generosity along with the company’s double dollar match truly makes a huge difference in the lives of others.”
United Way of St. Charles is a non-profit organization working to create lasting changes in St. Charles Parish by funding local agencies and developing programs that target education, income and health.
For more information about United Way of St. Charles or its annual campaign efforts call 985-331-9063.