They were relieved.
In order to surprise the board, which received the “Live United” award with four other businesses this week, board member Mike Pheil, LaGrange police captain, sent out an e-mail calling an emergency meeting.
“I did lose sleep over this,” said board chairwoman Selma Gore, when the surprise finally was revealed. “(Pheil) kept saying it was good news, but we didn’t know what it could be. This is a wonderful surprise and quite an honor.”
Instead of a traditional awards banquet, the United Way of West Georgia is honoring select businesses this year but wanted to honor one of its 29 agencies. Awards were handed out by a pseudo prize patrol of United Way staff and board members on Monday and Tuesday morning. Winners were chosen based on who best exemplified the Live United motto: give, advocate, volunteer.
“We wanted to honor your whole board,” said United Way of West Georgia President Patty Youngblood. “You truly exemplify the spirit of give, advocate, volunteer. Of all the boards, you truly set that example.”
Each board member received a T-shirt and coffee mug along with the major award.
Harmony House was formed in late 2005 when a critical need was identified in Troup County for a new domestic violence shelter when the former shelter was shown to be mismanaged. As the city of LaGrange worked to “evict” the former shelter from its house, Harmony House found a new building, recruited volunteers and received endorsements from state agencies - which the former shelter hasn’t done. In the last three years, Harmony House’s programs and shelter itself have received state certification.
The awards this week wrap up the 2008 fundraising campaign, which raised just over $1 million of a $1.2 million goal for the United Way of West Georgia.
n More United Way winners will be featured throughout the week.
Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.
Post a Comment
