Published: February 12, 2006 03:26 am      

Many thanks for United Way's success

I don't know if I've ever witnessed a true miracle, but I certainly experienced Divine guidance and intervention as we have worked to complete our United Way Capital Campaign for 2005-06 to fund the operating budgets of our 14 agencies for 2006.

I've always been taught that good things can come from bad times. It is during such bad times that we discover our true character, and as a former football coach of mine used to say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Such was the case as we reassessed the United Way Capital Campaign and the increased needs of our 14 agencies after Hurricane Katrina struck our great state. While it would have been easy to have reduced our goal, it was prayerful consideration that pointed your United Way board toward a larger goal of $800,000. As you know, we announced on Thursday, Feb. 3, that we have reached that goal.

This goal was reached because of the caring nature and generosity of the people, businesses and industry of East Mississippi and West Alabama. From the hearts of the United Way staff, board of directors and United Way agencies, we thank you!

It should also be noted that the cooperation and efforts of our local media was a tremendous help to us. Many thanks to Steve Stewart, Steve Gillespie, Ida Brown, Stewart Smith and The Meridian Star for your help and generosity. Thanks also to Tim Walker and John Johnson of WTOK-TV, particularly for allowing us to hold "a town meeting" on the air; Susan Ross of WGBC and WMDN-TV; Art and Al at 103.3; Van Mack and The Radio People; Ron Harper and Clear Channel Broadcasting; and Bill Smith and "Dumpster Dog" at WMOX. I believe the efforts of the media during this United Way campaign to be unprecedented, and we couldn't have done it without you.

Special thanks must be given to David Buckner and Mississippi Power Co. for allowing Brian Finnegan, our campaign chairman, the latitude to focus on the campaign when the immediate needs of Hurricane Katrina loomed large. Also, the United Way directors, volunteers and directors of our 14 agencies stepped up and worked tirelessly as part of our campaign team. Tony Pompelia, Tony Boutwell, Connie Agent and Brandon Thomas of Leading Edges donated so much of their time and talent in producing public service announcements in order to get our word out. The United Way staff — Thad Quarles, Janie Brown, Karen Buie and Jennifer McCraw — gave it their all and then some. And I personally thank my wife, Valarie, and my associates at Community Bank — Jeff McCoy, Bob Huff and Shaun Eubanks — for allowing me the time to focus on what had to be done.

Again, while "thank you" doesn't seem adequate, it is all that I know to say to all of the good people of East Mississippi and West Alabama. This year's campaign in the wake of Hurricane Katrina shows us what can be done when we all work together. God bless all of you.

Bubba Hampton

2005-06 Board Chair

United Way of East Mississippi

Meridian