Granite United Way Raises $2.27M

Cue the applause and confetti – Granite United Way was thrilled to announce during its Merrimack County Campaign Celebration event that a record had been shattered, according to a press statement.

In the 88 year history of United Way in Merrimack County, the total for the 2014 United Way campaign more than exceeded the $2 Million goal for the region ~ it broke a record with $2.27 Million!

This announcement was made during the annual Campaign Celebration hosted on March 4, at the Capitol Center for the Arts. More than 140 supporters were there to celebrate the historic news, many of those in the audience are Loyal Contributors, whose who have been giving for 10 or more years.

“I am honored and humbled to share this announcement with our Merrimack County supporters. This historic result is a tribute to the dedication of our donors in this community,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO. “We are proud to work with our supporters and partners in Merrimack County in new ways.”

One of the new ways the campaign team generated funds was through a generous offer by long-time supporter and Alexis de Tocqueville Society Member, John F. Swope from Concord. Earlier in the campaign, Swope offered a $25,000 Challenge Match for all new or increased gifts in Merrimack County. During the event at the Capitol Center Kristin McGrath, Senior Director of Campaign Management, enthusiastically shared with the audience that the Challenge Match had been met.

“We are also excited to announce that part of the campaign’s success can be attributed to the generous $25,000 Challenge Match offered by Loyal Contributor John Swope. The Challenge Match inspired so many to give for the first time or increase their gift this year and we’ve officially fulfilled the match!” said McGrath.

During the campaign year Granite United Way was also the recipient of two one-time bequests from long-time supporters, Faith Sulloway and Lucia Ewing, totaling more than $375,000 for work in this community.

“These bequests demonstrate a way of giving that makes an impact long after a person is gone,” said Tufts. “We are proud of our Legacy Society donors who have included Granite United Way in their estate plans to continue their annual giving to benefit future generations.”

Throughout the Campaign Celebration evening several individuals and companies were recognized for their efforts during 2014. Below is a list of award winners:

• 2014 GIVE Award – John F. Swope
• 2014 ADVOCATE Award – John Tobin, Jr., retired – NH Legal Assistance
• 2014 VOLUNTEER Award – Heidi Nadeau, H.L. Turner Group
• 2014 Employee Campaign Coordinators Award – Dorothy Savery and Ken Sawyer from Franklin Savings Bank
• 2014 Campaign Chair Award – Joe Kenney from The Provident Bank

Granite Awards (companies/organizations raising more than $100,000 through their annual United Way campaign) will be presented to local companies in Merrimack County:

Lincoln Financial Group

Concord Hospital

NH State Employees’ Charitable Campaign

Major event sponsors: Lincoln Financial Group, The Provident Bank, Sulloway & Hollis and Associated Grocers of New England.

Captions:

John Tobin image – John Tobin, Jr. received the 2014 ADVOCATE Award from Granite United Way. Also pictured: Patrick Tufts, President and CEO, and Val Guy, Senior Director of Campaign Management

John Swope image – John Swope with Kristin McGrath, Senior Director of Campaign Management. Swope received the 2014 GIVE Award. He also offered a $25,000 Challenge Match to the Merrimack County community for every new or increased gift. The match was officially fulfilled during the campaign.

Heidi Nadeau – Nadeau received the 2014 VOLUNTEER Award. Also pictured is Val Guy, Senior Director of Community Impact.

Photo 1171 – Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way, announces the $2.27 Million Record Breaking Campaign