United Way of Jackson, George counties raises more than $1.6M

MOSS POINT -- A year's worth of hard work came to fruition Tuesday during the United Way of Jackson and George Counties' Campaign Collection Reveal Luncheon at Pelican Landing in Moss Point.

The 2015 campaign, Painting our Future, collected a total of $1,677,622.

"We want to thank everyone for all of their hard work over the past year," board president Amy Brandenstein said. "This will be used for several agencies to help in Jackson and George counties."

In keeping with the campaign's theme, seven members of the United Way's communication committee painted the amount raised in sequence to reveal the more than $1.6 million collected so far this year.

"Our goal was to raise $2 million, but that's the yearly goal and the year is not over," campaign co-chair Monica Cooper Said. "We are blessed to have so many people that are willing to give."

The campaign's funds were raised through several levels of sponsorship, including workplace campaigns where businesses raised money through various activities. More than 50 business from the two counties contributed money.

Personal donors, known as Old Hickory Givers, also contributed. Old Hickory donation levels start at $1,000.

"The United Way of Jackson and George Counties fund 21 various agencies," Cooper said. "This money that was raised will stay right here in Jackson and George counties."

Member agencies include the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, Gulf Coast Family Counseling and the Salvation Army.

Cooper said a committee will determine who the funds will be divided among the agencies.

The United Way started as the United Fund in 1959 and it served only the Jackson County area. It became the United Way in 1973 and it expanded to cover George County in 1993.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 10:21 PM with the headline "United Way of Jackson, George counties raises more than $1.6M ."