TEXARKANA, Texas -- With mimosas in hand, the United Way of Greater Texarkana toasted its top contributors and community partners during a recognition breakfast Friday morning at Texarkana Convention Center.
The breakfast provided a chance for the United Way, which was established locally in 1924, to acknowledge the progress on its 2023-24 fundraising goal of $900,000. The contributions support nearly 40 agencies in the United Way's nine-county area, according to President/CEO Mark Bledsoe.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. and United Steelworkers 752L were recognized as top contributor. As recently as October, the tire manufacturer and union presented a check for $25,000 through the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
Cooper Tire raises money through various events, including an annual bass fishing tournament. Kyle Thomas, distribution operations manager at the plant, said the next tournament will be May 4 at Wright Patman Lake.
CHRISTUS St. Michael was recognized as raising the second largest amount for United Way. The hospital system hosts a silent auction to benefit the agency.
Bledsoe said under the leadership of Sheree Potter, director of rehabilitation, St. Michael was able to "raise its numbers about $17,000."
"It seems like when we go to y'all's event, it's a full room, and you've got a whole host of soldiers there ready to go out," Bledsoe said as he presented an award to Potter.
Eight other contributors were recognized at the agency: Domtar, Graphic Packaging, Mayo Manufacturing, NAIFA-Texarkana, Offenhauser & Co., Patterson Troike Foundation, Smith-Blair/Xylem and Texarkana Arkansas School District.
Before the announcement of the top 10 campaign contributors, Mayor Bob Bruggeman of Texarkana, Texas, and Mayor Allen Brown of Texarkana, Arkansas, named the recipient of the Kline Cup.
"The Kline Cup is awarded to a committee volunteer who produces the greatest increase over the division's assigned campaign goal and with a highest increase over the previous year," Bruggeman said.
Darla Wilf was named the 2024 Kline Cup recipient for her efforts to drive fundraising among community contributors in the financial insurance/real estate division.
The Kline Cup was established in 1926 by past Mayor John C. Kline and awarded to a division chair of what then was known as the Community Chest, a predecessor of the United Way.
Molly Riley, United Way's vice president of marketing and fundraising, took a moment to spotlight the United Way's partner agencies in attendance.
"We have a wonderful, wonderful group of partner agencies that we work with every day. ... They are a vital network in our community," Riley said before introducing one by one.
Bledsoe gave credit to the United Way's partner agencies for working to improve the region.
"They're the ones making the impact," he said.
The United Way campaign kicked off in September 2023 with a Centennial Celebration and the goal of raising $900,000 for the more than 30 agencies United Way supports in a nine-county area. Contributions from 12 campaigns have yet to be presented to the agency, though Bledsoe thinks the overall fundraiser may fall short.
"We will not get close to $900,000. It just won't happen," he said after the breakfast.
Individual campaign supporters often receive donations to the United Way through pledges from employees. When employee turnover is high, as was experienced at a major donor, campaigns fall off, Bledsoe said.
"We're making a good effort," he said about fundraising.
Bledsoe said United Way services are expanding and much needed, considering that nonprofit agencies "have taken a hit."
"When COVID and other things have come in -- and the economy -- people just don't have as much disposable income, so that comes back on the nonprofits. We're trying to give a hand up to those in need," he said.
Education, particularly for struggling single-parent households, is an unmet need in the area that Bledsoe said the United Way wants to address.
"If we're going to make a difference, we have to continue to educate to help alleviate some of the issues," he said.
Domestic Violence Prevention is a partner and beneficiary of the United Way.
"The other grants we receive are mainly focused on primary victims, so United Way funds help by focusing on the emotional needs of the children who have witnessed violence in the home," said Misty Patterson, DVP's grant writer and program director.
Patterson said through DVP's Child Safe program, children are taught conflict resolution skills as a way to prevent future violence.
Since 1924, the United Way has donated $50 million to various community agencies.
Molly Riley, United Way's vice president of marketing and fundraising, introduces the United Way's partnering agencies attending the 2024 Campaign Recognition Breakfast on Friday morning, March 22, 2024, at Texarkana Convention Center in Texarkana, Texas. Lookin on are, from left, William Morris, treasurer of the United Way Board of Directors; Mayor Allen Brown of Texarkana, Arkansas; and Mayor Bob Bruggeman of Texarkana, Texas. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)