CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Contributors pledged more than $2.4 million to United Way of Bradley County, or 106 percent of the 2010 campaign's goal.
UNITED WAY$2.4 million Total allocations 2010$2.2 million: Total allocations 200933 Recipient agencies 2010Source: United Way of Bradley County
"This happened because of a lot of hard work and a lot of generosity," board Chairman Mickey Torbett told volunteers, donors and recipient agencies Tuesday evening during the annual awards banquet.
Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland and wife Sandra were co-chairmen of the campaign, heading two competing divisions.
The campaign began, however, on something of a down note.
The Rowlands spent the first eight weeks of the campaign recuperating from an auto accident. He had seriously injured legs and knees, while she had a broken sternum.
"We made it with a lot of prayers and a lot of support," the mayor said.
His wife said she likes challenges and has "faith in the people of Bradley County."
Torbett likewise began the campaign wearing a sling as he recovered from shoulder surgery.
"This was definitely one of the most unusual campaigns I have ever been involved in with all the injuries," said Torbett, president of United Community Bank.
In a separate account from the annual pledge drive, United Way also was able to distribute $400,000 from investment income from the Bradley Memorial Health Endowment.
The endowment was created with part of the proceeds from the 2005 sale of Bradley Memorial Hospital. This year, 15 programs focused on community health, wellness and quality of life will receive endowment grants to serve more than 15,000 people.
It is the third year United Way has been able to use investment income from the $21 million endowment in its care.
Contact Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com or 423-314-1029.