Prince Edward United Way Doling out $45,000 to Partners

FARMVILLE – The United Way of Prince Edward County has raised over $48,000 and is preparing to dole out $45,000 to its 22 local non-profit partners later this month.

Rucker Snead, president of the United Way’s all-volunteer board of directors, said that is the most the group has been able to give out at one time in years.

“That is huge,” Snead said of the success of the fundraising so far.

The United Way is scheduled to make the first of two yearly allocations to its partners during a luncheon on Wednesday, January 30, at the Robert Russa Moton Museum.

Treasurer Chris Prengaman informed board members at a recent meeting that the organization has raised approximately $48,499.

“We are over our $48,000 mark, which is wonderful,” Prengaman told the board.

Meanwhile, board member Ashley Crute noted that some potential donors may be waiting until early January because of changes in the tax law.

The news prompted Snead to observe, “We’re definitely on the right trajectory. Things are on track, which is a very positive thing. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (and) it might not be a train.”

 Prengaman added that Centra Southside Community Hospital has accounted for almost $10,000 of what the United Way has raised, “which is wonderful.”

Meanwhile, the United Way is also gearing up for its signature fundraising event – the 2^nd Annual the Great Farmville Duck Derby, to be held Saturday, May 3, at Riverside Park in conjunction with the Heart of Virginia Festival. All proceeds will benefit the United Way’s partners.

Plans call for 2,000 plastic ducks to be sold and raced down the Appomattox River. Same as last year, owner of the first place duck will receive $1,000; the second-place duck, $500; and the third-place duck, $250.

Tickets for the derby will be sold March through April, said Bruce Davis, the board member who is planning the event. Tickets will sell for $5 each or five for $20.

Promotion for the duck derby will begin in mid-February along with marketing of the Heart of Virginia Festival.

“Yes,” Snead said, “We want partners. As many as we can get.”

Anyone interested in helping sponsor the event may contact Davis by email at bruce.davis@pecps.k12.va.us, and by telephone at 434-315-2100 ext. 3833 or by cell at 804-986-2034. He can also be inboxed on Facebook.

The United Way of Prince Edward helps fund local non-profit organizations offering services in the community related to the United Way’s pillars — education, income, or health in the community.

Snead notes that at least 90 percent of the funds raised go right back out to community organizations, and typically that figure is about 94 percent.

“Supporting the United Way of Prince Edward County is a means of making even a small contribution have widespread community impact,” Board Member Rhonda Arnold said. “Most of our partners utilize a large number of volunteers to complete their missions.”

The United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit.

The United Way’s local partners are: Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES), Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Virginia Free Clinic, Farmville Service Unit Girl Scouts, Farmville Area Boy Scout Service Organization, Madeline’s House/Southside Center for Violence Prevention, Prince Edward County 4-H Clubs, Prince Edward/Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA), Scope/Meals on Wheels, Southside Virginia Family YMCA, Southside Pregnancy Center, Southside SPCA, Southside Training, Employment and Placement Services, Inc. (STEPS), Virginia Legal Aid Society, Camp Loud & Clear, Heartland Horse Heroes, Riding Star 4-H equestrian club, Jolly Glee Seniors, Piedmont Senior Resources, and the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.