Ninety-eight cents of every dollar that you donate to the United Way stays here in Cullman to help the partner agencies. So when you are helping your partner agencies, you are giving to the United Way and the money is staying local. It’s helping Cullman people; it’s helping your neighbors.”Judge Kim Chaney
CULLMAN – On Tuesday, September 1st, United Way of Cullman County celebrated its 2016 Kickoff Campaign with a luncheon in the Colonel Cullmann room at Cullman Regional Medical Center. Residents from across the county came together to enjoy the event and listen to guest speaker Judge Kim Chaney. He spoke highly of the United Way as he spoke about some of the activities they perform to help people in need throughout our community.
“Ninety-eight cents of every dollar that you donate to the United Way stays here in Cullman to help the partner agencies,” said Chaney. “So when you are helping your partner agencies, you are giving to the United Way and the money is staying local. It’s helping Cullman people; it’s helping your neighbors.”
Chaney has worked closely with most all of the Partner Agencies associated with Cullman's United Way. He named each and told the crowd what they did.
Partner Agencies:
- 4-H Clubs of Cullman County
- Commission on Aging
- Cullman Caring for Kids
- Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled
- Daystar House
- Easter Seals
- First Call for Help
- The Foster Grandparents & Senior Companion Program
- Girl Scouts
- Good Samaritan Health Clinic
- Hospice of Cullman County
- Pilot Light House
- Victim Services
- Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
“Every one of these programs helps the people of Cullman County,” Chaney explained. “People give to United Way; you are investing in Cullman County and Cullman County people.”
Towards the end of his speech, Chaney began to talk about how individuals can make a substantial difference when it comes to helping the United Way. The late Mike Duke was one of those extraordinary individuals.
Duke worked many years at AmSouth Bank, Eva Bank and most recently he was the Chief Financial Officer at Cullman Savings Bank. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer and passed away this past June.
“Mike has served the community in so many ways and for many years,” said Chaney.
“He served on the Cullman County School Board; he was Chairman of the Cullman County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Cullman Regional Medical Center Foundation, President of the Cullman County Farm City Committee, and President of the Cullman area United Way. This man invested in Cullman County. This man made a difference in Cullman County and the people who lived here.”
In memory of Duke’s lifelong dedication to the United Way and a commitment to the citizens of the community, Cullman Savings Bank gave the first gift of the United Way campaign in his honor. Together, Duke’s wife, members of his family and representatives of Cullman Savings Bank handed over a check for $10,000 to the United Way.
We had a GREAT turnout at our Kick Off Luncheon!! Thank you to everyone who came and a HUGE thank you to Cullman Savings…
Posted by United Way of Cullman County on Tuesday, September 1, 2015
After the check had been given, United Way presented Mrs. Duke with a special award in honor of all the years of Duke’s lifelong devotion to the United Way.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank Cullman Savings Bank,” Mrs. Duke smiled. “Mike loved his bank. I want to thank Cullman Savings Bank for making this generous contribution to something he truly believed in. He believed in helping others; he had a servant’s heart, and he believed in the organizations of Cullman United Way that serves those who couldn’t serve themselves.”
The event ended with many tears and a round of applause long after the Duke family went back to their seats. It was an excellent way to jumpstart the campaign.
The United Way of Cullman County is located at 304 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055.
For more information, call 256-739-2948, visit uwaycc.org, and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/unitedwaycullman.
