Melissa Sellers

While the United Way of the Pennyrile didn’t meet its annual fundraising goal this year, there was still plenty to celebrate at the annual meeting tonight at Bruce Center.

Several people, agencies and businesses who contributed to the United Way agencies during these tough economic times received standing ovations and the cause received more money through the annual auction—including over a thousand dollars total from UK Basketball and Keenland tickets.

Receiving this year’s “People Helping People” award was Hopkinsville Mayor Dan Kemp and Tracey Clark of Sanctuary received the J. William Flowers Award.

This year’s “Gold Award” winners, meaning they achieved 85 percent or more of employee giving potential, were the Armed Forces YMCA, Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Christian County Emergency Management, the Judge-Executive’s office, the City of Hopkinsville, Hopkinsville Electric, the Hopkinsville YMCA and Planters Bank.

When it was all said and done, campaign chair Melissa Sellers announced the total of $722,000.81.

The total was about 57 thousand dollars short of the goal, but Ms. Sellers stressed efforts continue. Receiving special recognition were the Wal Mart Distribution Center, where just over 43 thousand dollars was raised and the Hopkinsville Fire Department, which raised 15 thousand dollars.

Executive Director Jennifer Maddux thanked everyone involved, especially Ms. Sellers, who was praised for her hard work by nearly everyone who spoke during the nearly three hour long event.

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11/29/2011/am