Spirit of NC Award Winners

The City of Shelby

The City of Shelby was recognized at a luncheon in Pinehurst, NC on February 13, 2019, as the United Way of North Carolina concluded its annual meeting with the announcement of the Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign Excellence. The Spirit of North Carolina Awards are sponsored annually by the United Way of North Carolina to provide statewide recognition for outstanding commitment and support to communities through local United Way involvement.

Employees of the City of Shelby raised a record $130,283 ($11,623 new dollars) and per capita giving reached a new record of $417.57. The driving force behind this success was ownership of the campaign and a desire to help their community. Captain Brad Fraser, United Way Co-Chair stated: “I am amazed at the generous spirit that our City of Shelby Employees have each year. Their unselfish giving will help to benefit our community in countless ways.”

The Spirit of North Carolina Awards recognize organizations and their employees that demonstrate campaign excellence and community commitment. The Selection Committee judged more than 50 outstanding submissions from top companies, organizations, governmental entities, healthcare and educational institutions, as well as businesses—large and small from across North Carolina.

Organizations and companies were judged on a variety of criteria outlined in the Spirit of North Carolina Standards of Excellence including leadership, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education and incentive programs. “The Spirit of North Carolina Award recognizes the collaborative partnerships United Way of Cleveland County builds with its supporters,” said President & CEO, Leslie Cobb. “For the fourth consecutive year, The City of Shelby employees have won this prestigious award showing their commitment and dedication for giving back to our community.”

Dr. Stephen Fisher, chairman of the Cleveland County United Way Board of Directors, said he is proud of the continued support by The City of Shelby employees to the United Way and our community. “I want to congratulate the employees that have once again demonstrated their giving spirit and recognized the needs of the citizens in our county,” Dr. Fisher said.

Cleveland County Schools

Cleveland County Schools was recognized at a luncheon in Pinehurst, NC on February 13, 2019, as the United Way of North Carolina concluded its annual meeting with the announcement of the Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign Excellence. The Spirit of North Carolina Awards are sponsored annually by the United Way of North Carolina to provide statewide recognition for outstanding commitment and support to communities through local United Way involvement.

Employees of the Cleveland County Schools raised $125,692. The driving force behind this success was ownership of the campaign and a desire to help their community. “As a longtime partner of United Way, we are thrilled to receive such an esteemed recognition,” said Greg Shull, director of communications for Cleveland County Schools. “Most importantly, we will continue to work together hand-in-hand to strengthen our philanthropic efforts for the betterment of our community.”

Organizations and companies were judged on a variety of criteria outlined in the Spirit of North Carolina Standards of Excellence including leadership, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education and incentive programs. “The Spirit of North Carolina Award recognizes the collaborative partnerships United Way of Cleveland County builds with its supporters,” said President & CEO, Leslie Cobb. “The employees of the Cleveland County Schools have won this prestigious award showing their commitment and dedication for giving back to our community.”

Justin Merritt, Campaign Chairman for United Way of Cleveland County, said “We are extremely proud of Cleveland County Schools Leadership and staff for once again demonstrating their commitment to the community. Their dedication to the United Way and its agencies will help ensure critical services are delivered to residents across the County.”