FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 13, 2007
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Susan Black
863.648.1500 x 240 or cell# 863.860.6206
UNITED WAY CELEBRATES LEADERS
Larry Durrence was named 2007 volunteer of the year and Terry Brigman was named Citizen of the Year at a celebration dinner at the Lakeland Center, November 1st. United Way of America COO and former Los Angeles United Way President, Joe Haggerty was the keynote speaker for the evening trumpeting United Way of Central Florida's focus on Kids, Families and Wellness.
Haggerty's remarks told of the emergence of the United Way movement beyond a fundraiser to a catalyst for change, focusing dollars and resources to bring lasting change to communities and individual lives. Locally, United Way of Central Florida volunteers have identified pre-school literacy as a critical community issue. Polk County's rate of 63% of children entering kindergarten scoring "not consistently ready" was cited as a predictor of school success. Haggarty praised Publix benefactors, Carol and Barney Barnett as local and national leaders improving children's lives by supporting the efforts of United Ways to prepare children be successful in school and in life.
Dr. Larry Durrence, retired Polk Community College President was recognized as the George W. Jenkins United Way Volunteer of the Year after past service as Campaign Chair raising $9 million dollars for United Way in 2001 and his service as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2005. Terry Brigman, of the City of Lakeland, was recognized as the United Way Citizen of the Year after serving as the chair of the Community Investment Committee which oversees the activities of almost 200 volunteers monitoring goal progress in programs funded by United Way.
United Way of Central Florida is a public service organization helping Polk, Highlands and Hardee County communities focus on critical issues. By bringing together partners of business, government and citizens to deliver solutions that bring lasting change, we are improving lives. The organization is responsible for nearly $10 million dollars in non-profit investment in central Florida directed to bringing results for communities, that matter.
