Some companies go extra mile for United Way

When it comes to raising money for the United Way, many businesses get creative and organize a variety of special events, from bake sales and car washes to bowl-a-thons.

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Jessica Webb Sibley/ Staff

Gail Gibbons (front) and Judith Gast, with MCG Hospital's Quality Management team, prepare popcorn to sell at a United Way fundraiser at the hospital. The company raised $220,000 for last year's campaign.

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Jessica Webb Sibley/ Staff

Shirley Williams (left) of MCG Hospital's Quality Management Team sells popcorn to Bonita Thomas for a United Way fundraiser at the hospital.

"A lot of companies have them (special events)," said Rina Powell, the senior director of resource development for the United Way of the CSRA. "The events seem to be a big hit with the employees, and they have a lot of fun with it."

For the second year, three area hospitals -- Doctors, MCG Health Inc. and University Health Care System -- are participating in a United Way competition.

Last year, MCG Hospital was the overall winner. Doctors Hospital won the award for the largest increase in per capita giving and the award for the largest increase in leadership giving.

"I think we all like the competition, but in a way we are all working together for a good cause," said Sandra McVicker, the interim president and CEO of MCG Health Inc. "It's a friendly competition, and it's something that's fun."

Last year, the competition raised more than $220,000 for the United Way.

MCG Health began its campaign kicking, literally, said Carolyn Bertling, the director for patient care services and the chairwoman of the hospital's campaign.

"One thing we do for our kick-off each year is a bedpan kick," she said. "Some of our guys made a goal post and converted a bedpan into something they can kick. The goal was to see who can kick it the farthest."

Special events also provide an opportunity to educate, said Sharon Rodgers, the CEO and president of the United Way of Aiken County. "It helps bring the United Way's mission to the public's attention," she said. "We want people to know what United Way does while raising the resources to meet the needs of those in our community."

Education was the goal of the Wheel of Misfortune, a game created by Georgia Power employees for its campaign, said Tim McGill, assistant to the vice president.

"They were given play money and asked to solve the puzzle, which had a United Way theme," he said. "If they won, they got to spin the wheel to determine which agency would get their 'money.' When the wheel stopped on an agency, they got to learn more about that agency and where their 'money' would go."

It's exciting to see companies that are not only eager to participate but "go above and beyond," Mrs. Powell said.

"Anytime a company is willing to go outside the realm of just handing out pledge cards and saying 'please give to United Way,' it's a good thing," she said. "They are really invested and having fun with it. I think it's also a great morale booster for the employees to get involved."

The time employees voluntarily dedicate to the campaign doesn't go unnoticed, said Sonita Redmond, the director of resource development for the United Way of Aiken County.

The United Way of Aiken County's annual campaign was held Aug. 28-Oct. 30.

The United Way of the CSRA's annual campaign kicked off Aug. 24 and will continue into February, when a celebration will be held and the amount raised announced.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.