Citizens of Richmond County were rewarded for their hard work and charitable giving by the United Way during an awards ceremony Wednesday at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital.

“Thank you all for your hard work and dedication for our local United Way,” said Michelle Parrish, executive director of United Way of Richmond County. “I am truly grateful for each of you.”

Parrish recognized the board of directors and said, “I have the best board of directors that there are.”

Also recognized were the 18 partnering agencies. Two new agencies joined United Way this year - Habitat for Humanity and Backpack pals of Richmond County.

Parrish recalled the annual day of caring from 2009 in which United Way businesses and organizations participated in eight projects in Richmond County including, planting flowers at Roberdel Children’s Center, serving lunch to seniors and packing backpack’s with the backpack pals program.

“We all worked together that day to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Parrish

Parrish recognized many schools, businesses and organizations who raised $5,000 or less during their campaign this year, followed by recognizing the 13 businesses who raised more than $5,000. The United Way campaign kicks off in September with the annual Day of Caring, and ends in March.

“You all work countless hours and dedicated so much time to your work place campaign,” said Parrish.

During 2009, United Way of Richmond County along with the partnering agencies provided assistance to 25,593 people, with some duplications explained Parish.

“This year our goal was $275,000, and to be honest I did not think we would meet it to begin with, but I realized we live in Richmond County and we raised over $279,000,” said Parrish.

The business that raised the most money was Perdue Farms, Inc., raising more than $65,000. Travis Billingsley from Perdue Farms thanked Parrish for all of her work.

“We could not accomplish anything without all of Michelle’s hard work,” said Billingsley.

Claudia Robinette, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors, was thankful for the support the community has given to United Way.

“I am thrilled with the success of United Way this year, especially with this economic downturn. It is just a tribute to the assistance of the community,” Robinette said.

The Richmond County School system had nine out of 17 schools participating in the campaign with a 100 percent attendance. Rockingham Middle School had students help raise money for the campaign.

“Thank you all so much. Our kick off and Day of Caring will be September 2010. If you would like to help with our Day of Caring, contact us,” added Parish in closing.

Cameron Quick can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at cquick@yourdailyjournal.com