The United Way of St. Charles has completed its 2007-08 Annual Campaign, and once again, the community has responded in fine fashion by committing pledges and receipts totaling $2,378,034.35. Although the total fell slightly short of the 2.5 million goal, it represents an increase over last year’s total. Also included in this figure are pledges to other United Way organizations, made by employees working in St. Charles Parish but living in surrounding parishes.

“I can only characterize the 2007/2008 campaign year as extraordinary. Your United Way of St. Charles not only surpassed its total fundraising over this time last year, we completely transformed ourselves from what used to be a fundraising and funding organization to one that is totally committed to changing community conditions affecting each and every one of us,” stated Denise Brodsky, executive director of United Way of St. Charles.

The celebration was an emotional one for Brodsky as she has announced her resignation from United Way of St. Charles to pursue other opportunities in Kentucky. “I am proud of our accomplishments over the past three years, I am proud of our Board of Directors and staff, I am proud of our many volunteers, I am proud of the people in St. Charles Parish, and, I am proud to have served as your Executive Director. I will sorely miss each of you. I urge you to continue supporting your United Way of St. Charles in the years to come.”

Anne-Marie Ainsworth of Motiva served as Chairman and Sarah Thigpen of Dow served as co-chair of this year’s campaign. “Their leadership, dedication and commitment to the success of this year’s campaign cannot be overstated,” declared UWSC President Mark Keiser. UWSC also recognizes with great appreciation the hundreds of hours that volunteers have given to make this achievement possible.

Companies and organizations integral to the campaign’s success have been honored and recognized for outstanding achievement.

CAMPAIGN AWARDS 2007-08

NEWCOMER’S AWARD Recognition of all companies who conducted a campaign for the first time: WINK Companies LLC. , Atmos Energy

CAMPAIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD For Total Campaign Improvement:

Non – Industry – Eual J. Landry Alternative School (55.1 % Increase), R.K. Smith Middle School (48. 7% Increase), Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School (35.9% Increase), Norco Elementary School (4-6) (25.7% Increase)

Industry – Occidental Chemical Corporation (21.30/0 Increase), Dupont Elastomers (20.2 % Increase), Zachry Construction Corporation (16.7% Increase), Shell / Motiva (14.1 % Increase)

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD Recognizing Highest Employee Per Capita Giving:

Non – Industry – St. Charles Hospital ($308.46), St. Charles School Board Central Office ($215.75), Lakewood Elementary ($183.20), Satellite Center ($181.96)

Industry – Valero Refinery St. Charles Operations ($937.36), Cytec Industries ($454.88), Dow Chemical St. Charles Operations ($444.00), Shell/Motiva ($391.75)

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD Recognizing Companies making the greatest corporate gift per employee:

Valero St. Charles Refinery ($453.63), Hexion Specialty Chemicals ($280.55), Entergy – Waterford III ($231.93), Shell Chemical / Motiva ($132.09)

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD Recognizing those Sites with the most employees giving $500.00 or more: Valero St. Charles Refinery (363), Shell/Motiva (82), Entergy – Waterford III (67), Monsanto Company (59)

UNITED WAY OF ST. CHARLES SPIRIT AWARD In appreciation 01 the unwavering support through Donation, Involvement, and Leadership Excellence: Valero St. Charles Refinery ($799,814.29)