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United Way Raises Nearly $80,000 For Dawson Residents
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United Way Co-Chairs

United Way of Dawson County held a celebration luncheon Wednesday to thank its contributors for raising almost $80,000 to help citizens in the community.

Our mission is to improve lives in Dawson County by mobilizing the caring power and sprit of our citizens, United Way Co-chair Justin Power told the group. You have all proven your caring spirit.

Power also serves as Dawson Countys Clerk of Courts.

Funds raised through United Way are distributed across 14 agencies and programs that serve Dawson County residents.

In 2014, United Way raised $79,141, just $859 shy of the groups $80,000 goal.

Please know that every penny collected serves the purpose of helping us accomplish our mission, Power said.

Agencies that receive money from United Way of Dawson County include: Family Connection, Wee Books, 4-H Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Challenged Child & Friends, NOA (No One Alone), Next Generation, CASA program, READ, American Red Cross Northeast Georgia Chapter, Childrens Center for Health and Healing, and St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.

United Way and our parishioners gave over $90,000 to needy people in Dawson County that went towards light bills, rent, doctors, anything to help people, a representative from St. Vincent De Paul said. We want to thank you so much of your support.

Bindy Auvermann with Next Generation was also appreciative.

We served 60 (students) last year, she said. We appreciated United Way helping to fund us as we make a new iteration of ourselves.

Next Generation works to help students be successful, academically, emotionally and socially. Located on Memory Lane in Dawsonville, the group operates a clubhouse that serves as a teen makerspace for eligible youth in grades 6-12.

Nancy Stities with Dawson County Family Connection challenged everyone in attendance to sign up for training in preventing child sexual abuse.

Most agencies in Dawson County rely on United Way, other fundraisers and private donations to operate.

Wed like to thank Jim and Barbara Watson for hosting our United Way barbecue and for raising $12,625, Power said.

The largest contributor to United Way Dawson was Kroger, whose customers donated $13,059 last year. Kroger has been the largest contributor nine years straight. Employees with the Dawson County school system came in second, raising $6,420.

Third was Northside-Forsyth Hospital, which sent $4,531 to United Way for Dawson.

We are showing compassion, restoring dignity and helping members of our community acquire knowledge and development life skills, Power said.