United Way of Hall County celebrates 60 years

GAINESVILLE - United Way of Hall County celebrated its 60th anniversary Wednesday and announced that the 2007 campaign goal was met.

The Community Chest goal in 1948 was $17,000 in a year - an era when the average car cost $1,550 and you could buy a house for $13,500.

Community Chest later became United Way; last year the goal was $2.07 million.

The goal was met in 1948 and again last year and it's a credit to the community, according to 2007 campaign chairwoman Roz Hudson.

"We go out and ask and people accept the challenge and rise to the occasion," Hudson said.

Incoming chairman Jack Keener said United Way has come a long way since 1948.

"It certainly has grown from $17,000 to the $2 million raised for 2007," Keener said.

Keener added that Hall County's needs are much bigger than they were 60 years ago.

Locally, United Way has 16 partner agencies and two funded programs, Dial-211 and 'Hands on Hall'.

The 2007 Chairman's Award went to United Community Bank for their employee volunteers and excellence of their campaign.

During the celebration all of United Way's past chairmen and chairwomen were recognized dating back to 1948, and a plaque was unveiled in their honor.