United Way of White County tops $75,000 goal with boosts from golf event, grant, bucket drive.

Thanks to the 19th annual Darrel Chaney Invitational golf event, including a grant from The Allstate Foundation, as well as a successful community bucket drive, the United Way of White County has surpassed its campaign goal to furnish $75,000 in support of delivery of human services to neighbors in need in 2022.

“The United Way of White County and the numerous not-for-profit entities to which we provide direct funding continue to be blessed with the generosity of so many, even in these uniquely challenging times,” said Wayne Hardy, editor and publisher of the White County News, who serves as president of the local United Way board. “With abundant appreciation to all, we look forward to maintaining our tradition of vital community support in the coming year."

Even though heavy rains prevented the playing of golf, proceeds from related events of the 19th annual Darrel Chaney Invitational – rescheduled from April to August due to COVID-19 – brought the current campaign near its goal. Providing the final push over the top is a $5,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation Helping Hands in the Community program, backing volunteer efforts of leadership of Jacky Jones Allstate. An Oct. 9 community bucket drive also garnered significant support, with motorists at busy intersections contributing more than $7,700.

Applications for 2022 funding are being accepted from not-for-profit organizations through Dec. 31.Application materials may be found online at www.unitedwaywhitecounty.org . The website also provides an opportunity to make tax-deductible contributions, as well as information on the celebrity-studded 20th annual Darrel Chaney Invitational, set to be held April 18-19 in Helen. In addition, donations may be made online at bit.ly/uwwhitecounty.

In 2021, the United Way of White County is furnishing direct funding to 15 not-for-profit organizations serving the people of White County, including Circle of Hope, Community Helping Hands Clinic, Family Promise of White County, Habersham Homeless Ministries, Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, Rape Response Inc., Charles Smithgall Humane Society, the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, White County 4-H, White County Caring & Sharing, White County Food Pantry, South Enotah Child Advocacy Center, Enotah CASA Inc., Catalyst Christian Learning Center and White County Backpack Buddies.

Photo: Celebrating the United Way of White County’s receipt of a $5,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation are, from left, Jessica Reed, Jacky Jones Allstate associate manager; Paul Scott Abbott, United Way board member; Gene White, United Way board member; Denise Loggins, United Way treasurer; Sherry Rose, Jacky Jones Allstate agency manager; Carol Powell, United Way board member; Bill Sutton Jr., former United Way board member and Darrel Chaney Invitational co-chairman; Corey Benda, Jacky Jones Ford human resources director; and Berrong Kimsey, Jacky Jones Ford general manager.