United Way of the Coastal Empire saluted more than 80 years of philanthropic leadership as it unveiled a recognition photo wall during a special ceremony, honoring United Way’s annual fundraising campaign chairs dating back to 1938.
During this event, United Way Board Chairman Mark Bennett recognized each of the campaign chairs in attendance and thanked them for their dedicated service to our community.
United Way of the Coastal Empire has long-recognized board chairs on a wall plaque in the boardroom at its office located at 428 Bull Street. While many past board chairs also served as campaign chairs, this new recognition board is now prominently displayed in the hallway of the office to inspire generations to come.
“We felt it was a great opportunity for us to formally thank those who have given so much to this organization and in many ways have been the face of United Way to our community,” said Jeff O’Connor, Immediate Past Chair, United Way of the Coastal Empire Board of Directors. “This project has been a labor of gratitude, and we believe its presence here in the United Way building will be a reminder of the legacy of their leadership that is the foundation of the organization and its powerful work.” O’Connor championed the project, which features pictures of nearly every previous campaign chair dating back to the founding of the organization in 1938.
“We are proud to honor the campaign chairs who helped sustain the organization year after year, decade after decade, said Brynn Grant, President and CEO, United Way of the Coastal Empire. “The re-engagement with past campaign chairs has been fulfilling for everyone involved.”
“My family and I have been giving to the United Way for decades, long before I worked on the campaigns or served on the board, and we still give today,” said Tony Eichholz, 1997 Campaign Chair and 2002 Board Chair. “We believe that giving to United Way is one of the very best, most effective ways to support our community.”
“I can recall it was an honor to be asked to assume that role, said Swann Seiler, 1995 Campaign Chair. “It was challenging, exhilarating, and at the same time stressful. Seeing thermometers around town tracking our progress was certainly nerve-racking. The entire community seems galvanized to ensure our success. I can recall making those last several calls to businesses and individuals who put us over the goal. We were euphoric and so very grateful for the generosity of every contributor.”
United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Chairs
Cindy Robinett, 2022 – 2023
Cecilia Russo Turner, 2021 - 2022
Terry Enoch, 2020 - 2021
Ken Rabitsch, 2019 - 2020
Larry Silbermann, 2018 - 2019
Todd Cellini, 2017 - 2018
Kay Ford, 2016 - 2017
Toby Moreau, 2015 - 2016
Jenny Gentry, 2014 - 2015
Dale Holloway, 2013 - 2014
Sam McCachern, 2012 - 2013
Michael Traynor, 2011 - 2012
Camille Russo, 2010 - 2011
Jeff Kole, 2009 - 2010
Dale Critz Jr., 2008 - 2009
Bert Tenenbaum, 2007 - 2008
Steve Eagle, 2006 - 2007
Michael Kemp, 2005 - 2006
Dave Hailey, 2004 - 2005
Dr. Michael Zoller, 2003 - 2004
Helen Downing, 2002 - 2003
Larry O’Brien, 2001 - 2002
Donald Laidlaw, 2000 - 2001
Frank Anderson, 1999 - 2000
Bob Scanlon, 1998 - 1999
Willis Potts, 1997 - 1998
Anthony Eichholz, 1996 - 1997
Swann Seiler, 1995 - 1996
Dr. Joe Buck, 1994 - 1995
Eric R. Winger, 1993 - 1994
Brian R. Foster, 1992 - 1993
Jerome Carter, 1991 - 1992
John G. Lientz, 1990 - 1991
Francis Sprague Exley, 1989 - 1990
David Muschamp, 1988 - 1989
William B. Haile, 1987 - 1988
Norton M. Melaver, 1986 - 1987
Arthur Gignilliant Jr., 1985 -1986
Richard H. Burke, 1984 - 1985
Joel C. Williams Jr., 1983 - 1984
John McHugh, 1982 - 1983
Frank L. Wooten Jr., 1981 - 1982
William W. Byram Jr., 1980 - 1981
N. Carson Branan, 1979 - 1980
Richard A. Estus, 1978 - 1979
John E. Cay III, 1977 - 1978
Arnold Tenenbaum, 1976 - 1977
Frank C. Underwood Jr., 1975 - 1976
Walton K. Nussbaum Jr., 1974 - 1975
John D. Carswell, 1972 - 1974
John M. McIntosh, 1971 - 1972
William A. Binns, 1970 - 1971
Hamler L. Baker, 1969 - 1970
Joseph A. Webster Jr., 1968 - 1969
Barron B. Boyd, 1967 - 1968
Walter C. Scott, 1966 - 1967
Edward J. Bartlett, 1965 - 1966
J. D. McLamb, 1964 - 1965
Clarence B. Reinschmidt, 1963 - 1964
John F. Pidcock, 1962 - 1963
V. E. Kelly, 1961 - 1962
John F. Pidcock, 1960 -1961
W. F. Lynes Jr., 1959 - 1960
J. R. Lientz, 1958 - 1959
W. E. Dillard, 1957 - 1958
T. M. Johnson, 1956 - 1957
Alexander A. Lawrence, 1955 - 1956
Jack Cay, 1954 - 1955
H. Hansell Hillyer, 1953 - 1954
J. H. Harrison, 1952 - 1953
L. C. McClurkin, 1951 - 1952
F. O. Wahlstrom, 1950 - 1951
Jack M. Jones, 1949 - 1950
Ruben G. Clark, 1948 - 1949
C. C. Clark, 1947 - 1948
John W. Carswell, 1946 - 1947
A. K. Dearing, 1945 - 1946
W. W. Douglas, 1944 - 1945
Robert M. Demere, 1943 - 1944
William Murphey, 1942 - 1943
Herschel V. Jenkins, 1941 - 1942
Thomas M. Cunningham, 1940 - 1941
William Murphey, 1939 - 1940
Robert W. Groves, 1938 - 1939
Learn more about United Way of the Coastal Empire at www.uwce.org.