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Catawba County United WayAims for $2 Million |
Organization Kicks offCampaign with BreakfastBy: Andrew Mackie Hickory Daily Record Staff Writer The Catawba County United Way hopes to “Go Boldly” this year in its effort to reach a fundraising goal of $2 million. The organization kicked off its 2007 campaign recently with a breakfast for about 140 people at the Hickory Regional Airport. “We’re optimistic that we’ll reach our goal,” said Rodney Miller, Catawba County finance director and the “Go Boldly in 2007” campaign chairman. “With the folks that came out this morning, I think we’re off to a good start of reaching that goal.” Reaching the $2 million mark also would come with a sense of recovery. United Way raised that Mount in 1999 before the sudden economic downturn in the region. United Way board members began meeting with company chief executive officers during the past month to gain support. They expect to meet with 60 targeted companies by the end of the month. Last year, the organization raised $1.8 million, just short of its $1.9 million goal. Helping kick off the effort was Todd Rhodes, president of Moss-Marlow Building Co. and Sgt. 1st Class in the N.C. Army National Guard. Rhodes recounted his experience in Iraq as a maintenance supervisor. He returned to the United States nine months ago. His stirring stories ranged from a description of the Iraq environment to the more than 1,000 missions his company performed. Rhodes related how the enemy gained in sophistication while he was stationed at a base just north of Baghdad. He feels lucky to be home uninjured along with his fellow soldiers. “It’s only by God’s grace that we were able to bring everybody home,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everybody. It’s not typical.” Rodney Miller brought the focus back to the United Way saying, “The Iraqis are in need and we have citizens in need as well. The folks in this room today are going to help fill their needs.”
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Catawba County United Way Cross Country Invitational |
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"Make Some Noise”
34 High Schools, 850 Runners and 2 Very Special Guests
“Make Some Noise” was the theme for this year’s United Way Cross Country Invitational at Southside Park in Newton. The park quickly filled with over 1000 people from all over Western North Carolina who were here to attend the 15th Annual Cross Country Invitational. According to John Hall, Catawba County United Way volunteer and invitation coordinator there were over 900 athletes and coaches, representing 34 high schools, on hand to participate in this year’s event. In its 15th year, this event has never been a fundraiser for Catawba County United Way but has been a way to spotlight some of the outstanding runners in NC while also exposing them to the United Way’s message of hope and help.
Ryan Hill of Hickory High took top honors once again with a time of 15:42.3 for the 5K race. For the girls, Morgan Turner of Lincolnton High School won the girls’ championship race with a time of 19:20.2. T. C. Roberson High School won the boys’ championship team event while Lake Norman High School won the girls’ championship team event . Winners of the Boys’ Open Championship and Girls’ Open Championship were Justin Gragg of West Caldwell High and Lexi Ballard of Lake Norman High. After the run, the crowd heard a story of a remarkable father and his son who have overcome tremendous obstacles. This year was one of the most outstanding in the event’s history with special guests coming from Kentucky, Patrick Henry Hughes and his father Patrick John Hughes. Patrick is quite a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk. In addition, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick’s spine to correct scoliosis. Most people under these circumstances would be overwhelmed, not Patrick. He has overcome his physical limitations to excel not only as a musician but as a student. At only nine months of age, Patrick began playing the piano and now also plays the trumpet and sings. A student at the University of Louisville School of Music he also participates in both their marching and pep bands. How you might ask does he march in a band? Easy. After working the night shift in order to help his son during the day, Patrick’s father manages to find the energy to help his son accomplish his feat by tirelessly pushing and maneuvering his wheel chair through the various formations with the other members of the Cardinal Marching Band. Usually a straight “A” student, Patrick has only received five “B’s since he was in the 6th grade even now including his freshman year of college. Patrick has won various awards in numerous competitions as well as winning awards acknowledging the circumstances he has overcome achieve these heights. For more information on next year’s event , please contact Cheryl Abee at Catawba County United Way – 828/327-6841. |
