Special Project Grant

We will be accepting applications for a Special Project Grant from June 1, 2018 through August 1, 2018.  The project must aim to improve the quality of life directly affecting Stokes County residents.  The organization/project must be non-profit.  To request an application: call (336) 593-8904, email unitedfundstokes@gmail.com, or write to United Fund of Stokes County, PO Box 14, Danbury, NC 27016.  Applications must be postmarked by August 1, 2018.

PLEASE DONATE!

We are currently taking donations/pledges for our 2017/2018 campaign. Please help us support our sixteen member agencies that help Stokes County residents in need.  Your gift is tax deductible!

Past Events

Belews Creek Steam Station Golf Tournament

The United Fund of Stokes County was invited to the Belews Creek Steam Station Golf Tournament on Friday, June 8, 2018.  Belews Creek Steam Station hosts a golf tournament every year to raise money for the United Fund.  Last year, the golf tournament raised $23,500!  Duke Energy and the employees at Belews Creek Steam Station are very generous donors to the United Fund of Stokes County.  Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the golf tournament!  And a special thanks to the Belews Creek tournament organizers: Brandon James, Doug Julian, Reggie Anderson, and Judy Purdy!  Your continued support makes a difference in the lives of Stokes County residents.

Pictured left to right: Reggie Anderson, Brandon James, Judy Purdy, Doug Julian, Michele Mabe, Gerald Jones

 

The United Fund of Stokes County Kicks Off Their 2017/2018 Campaign 

The United Fund of Stokes County kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign October 5, 2017 with a luncheon at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Those in attendance included volunteers, board members, and supporters of The United Fund of Stokes County. A delicious meal was prepared by the ladies of Palmyra UMC.
 

The guest speaker was Mike Culler.  Mr. Culler recently retired as Executive Director of King Outreach Ministry.  He has spent his whole life serving the community in various ways.  Mr. Culler gave an inspiring speech on how each of the United Fund member agencies impact our community.  He explained how our lives or the lives of someone we know are helped in some way by one or more of the United Fund's agencies.

Rick Morris, Stokes County Manager, gave an update on how our county is progressing economically.

Volunteers and donors were recognized. Awards were given for the 2017-18 Pacesetters who have started this year’s fundraising efforts.  United Fund’s President, Willis Overby and Executive Director, Michele Mabe presented the awards. This year’s Pacesetters are Reynolds American, Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station, Cavanaugh & Associates, Cook Medical, Stokes Family YMCA, NC Department of Transportation, Stokes County Schools, Stokes County Government Center, and LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes.

Thank you to our Pacesetters for getting us off to a great start!  And thank you to all who give to the United Fund of Stokes County!  Without all of you, we could not continue to support our member agencies, who provide so many wonderful services to our neighbors in need.


The United Fund of Stokes County Participated in the 2016 Christmas Parades in King and Walnut Cove 

The United Fund of Stokes County had a great time participating in the Christmas Parade in King on December 3rd and in Walnut Cove on December 10th. Our float won a ribbon for 2nd place and the Mayor's Choice award in the King Parade. Thank you to Mr. Mark Powell, from West Stokes High School, for your excellent work on our float.

King Parade 2016King Parade 2016_2

 
 

The United Fund of Stokes County Kicks Off Their 2016/2017 Campaign 

The United Fund of Stokes County kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign October 6, 2016 with a luncheon at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Those in attendance included volunteers, board members, and supporters of The United Fund of Stokes County. A delicious meal was prepared by the ladies of Palmyra UMC.

The guest speaker was Rick Morris, our Stokes County Manager. Mr. Morris discussed the upcoming opportunities that are happening around our county.

Volunteers and donors were recognized. Awards were given for the 2016-17 Pacesetters who have started this year’s fundraising efforts.  United Fund’s President, Willis Overby, presented the awards. This year’s Pacesetters are Reynolds American, Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station, Cavanaugh & Associates, Parkdale America, Stokes Family YMCA, NC Department of Transportation, Stokes County Schools, and Stokes County Government Center.

The United Fund's first annual Special Project Grant was presented to two qualifying projects.  Gerald Jones and Susan Hathcock, board members, presented the Special Project checks to the Stokes County YMCA and the Lawsonville Elementary PTA.  The Stokes County YMCA has a special project to install a stair lift chair to help disabled individuals with getting to the second floor for classes and the indoor track.  The Lawsonville PTA is raising money to install new playground equipment that will accommodate children with disabilities.

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Michele Mabe, Marvin Cavanaugh, Willis Overby ~Cavanaugh & Associates - Pacesetter Award~

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Danny Hairston and Charles Mitchell - Walnut Cove Commissioners

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Michele Mabe, Linda Moore, Willis Overby ~NC Dept. of Transportation - Pacesetter Award~

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Hilda Mabe and Tammy Bowles - Board Members

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Lena Priddy, Willa Von Wood, Kaye Isbell

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Susan Hathcock, Amanda Tilley, Staci McMillian-Smith, and Gerald Jones ~Lawsonville PTA Special Project Grant~

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Some of the Palmyra UM Church Ladies Group

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Michele Mabe, Monica Jackson-Buxton, Willis Overby Parkdale America - Pacesetter Award

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Pastor Johnny Lord Palmyra United Methodist Church

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Rick Morris and Willis Overby ~Guest Speaker - County Manager~

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Michele Mabe, Mamie Sutphin, Willis Overby ~Reynolds American - Pacesetter Award~

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Bob Campbell, Major Colbert, Robin Stone ~Salvation Army~

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Michele Mabe, Brad Rice, Willis Overby ~Stokes County Schools - Pacesetter Award~

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Patsy Bridges - Special Olympics; Taylor Furr - Stokes 4-H

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Peter Berault and Susan Barkley ~Stokes ACTS~

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Stokes County Fair

The United Fund of Stokes County had a booth at the Stokes County Fair, September, 2016. 

fair-booth-2016

 

Belews Creek Steam Station Golf Tournament

The United Fund of Stokes County had a great time at the Belews Creek Steam Station Golf Tournament on Friday, June 17, 2016.  Belews Creek Steam Station hosts a golf tournament every year to raise money for the United Fund. Lunch was great! We were served homemade barbeque and slaw, prepared by Vernon and Rhonda McKinney.  Duke Energy and the employees at Belews Creek Steam Station are very generous donors to the United Fund every year.  Thank you so much!  Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of Stokes County residents.

Belews Golf Tourn_2016

Pictured left to right: Reggie Anderson, Doug Julian, Brandon James, Michele Mabe, Melisa Jessup, Thadia George

Dine Out For Stokes

Thank you to the restaurants listed below that participated in the Dine Out for Stokes event, held on March 11, 2016.  These restaurants pledged to give to the United Fund of Stokes County.

Artist’s Way Creations – Danbury
Danbury General Store Grill – Danbury
LuLu’s Pizza-N-Stuff – Danbury
King Kitchen – King
Sam’s Pizza Etc. – Walnut Cove

 

King and Walnut Cove Parades

December 2015

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At the King Christmas Parade

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“Thank you to all who participated!  Mr. Mark Powell and his Agricultural Students at West Stokes High School have, yet again, made our float look awesome.  Thank you for your exceptional work on the United Fund’s Christmas Parade Float!”

 

 

 

2015-16 Annual Fundraising Campaign

The United Fund kicks-off 2015-16 annual fundraising campaign

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The United Fund of Stokes County kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign October 8, 2015 with a luncheon at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Those in attendance included volunteers, board members, and supporters of The United Fund of Stokes County. A delicious meal was prepared by the ladies of Palmyra UMC.

The guest speaker was Eddy McGee, who is the Director of the Stokes County Arts Council. Mr. McGee began with a song he wrote, called “Stokes County State of Mind”.  He spoke about how his father was an inspiration when it come to helping and giving to others.  His father had several quotes to live by.  Mr. McGee stated his Dad was always saying “make a difference in someone’s life…today” and “live life with urgency, for we are not promised tomorrow”.  He ended his speech with another great song that he wrote about his Dad.

Volunteers and donors were recognized. Awards were given for the 2015-16 Pacesetters who are started this year’s fundraising efforts.  United Fund’s President, Willis Overby, presented the awards. This year’s Pacesetters are Reynolds American, Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station, Cavanaugh & Associates, Parkdale America, Stokes Family YMCA, NC Department of Transportation, Stokes County Schools, Stokes County Government Center, Pioneer Community Hospital, and Francisco Presbyterian Church.

 

 

Stokes County Business Extravaganza

The United Fund of Stokes County participated in the Stokes County Business Extravaganza on January 15, 2015 at Camp Hanes.

Business Extravaganza_2015

 

King and Walnut Cove Parades

December 2014

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The United Fund Christmas Float won the King Mayor’s Choice Ribbon in the King Christmas Parade.
parade 2014_7 WC Trophy The United Fund’s Float also won the First Place Trophy in the Walnut Cove Christmas Parade.

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“Thank you to all who participated! A special thank you to Mr. Mark Powell and his Agricultural Students at West Stokes High School for their exceptional work on the United Fund’s Christmas Parade Float!”

 

 

2014-15 Annual Fundraising Campaign

United Fund of Stokes County kicks-off 2014-15 annual fundraising campaign

The United Fund of Stokes County kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign October 2, 2014 with a luncheon at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Those in attendance included volunteers, board members, and supporters of United Fund of Stokes County. A delicious meal was prepared by the ladies of Palmyra UMC.

Volunteers and donors were recognized. Awards were given for the 2014-15 Pacesetters who are starting off the fundraising efforts.  United Fund’s President, Willis Overby, presented the awards. This year’s Pacesetters are Reynolds American, Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station, Cavanaugh & Associates, Parkdale America, Stokes Family YMCA, NC Department of Transportation, Stokes County Schools, Stokes County Government Center, and Francisco Presbyterian Church. Danbury Community Church was also recognized at the kick-off for the donations given by their congregation.

The guest speaker was Gerald Jones, who is a United Fund Board Member and the Pastor of Brims Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Jones stated, “We have givers and we have givers. We have givers who are giving money to support those givers who give their time, efforts, and talents to make a difference in the lives of people in Stokes County. That is an awesome thing.”

Mr. Overby wrapped up the luncheon with some insightful remarks.  He stated, “It takes all of us, the ones who are pushing and the ones who are pulling to move us along. Please join in the team. Get behind the wagon and help by pushing or pulling. There are so many people who need the help and you can be a part of it.”

 

 

2013-14 Annual Fundraising Campaign

United Fund of Stokes County kicks off 2012-13 annual campaign

Mary Kerley, president ofUnited Fund of Stokes County, recognizes employees from Duke Energy Belews Creek Steam Station as being pacesetters. Pacesetters who give to the United Fund were recognized at a luncheon kicking off the 2012-13 campaign, “A Day of Change.” Other pacesetters in addition toDuke Energy wereFrancisco Presbyterian Church, N.C. Department of Transportation, Parkdale America, Pioneer Community Hospital of Stokes,Stokes Family YMCA, Stokes County Government Center, Stokes County Schools and The Winston-Salem Foundation - The Cavanaugh Fund. For information on how to give, Call 336-593-8904 or visit www.unitedfundofstokes.org.

Barry McGee, Christian comedian, entertains guests at the United Fund of Stokes County 2012-13 Campaign Kick-Off, which was held Oct. 4 at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Various community members and business leaders were invited to attend the luncheon.

Attendees at the United Fund of Stokes County Campaign Kick-Off listen to the guest entertainer, Barry McGee.

County Manager Rick Morris accepts a pacesetter award on behalf of the county fromMary Kerley, president of the United Fund of Stokes County. Pictured to Kerley’s right is the new Executive Director of the organization, Penny Bingman.

*Courtesy of The Stokes News

 

Meet Needs

United Fund of Stokes County continues to meet needs

For decades, United Fund of Stokes County has been quietly working to make sure local non-profit groups have the funds necessary to meet the needs of county residents. The organization will continue working to that end with a new Executive Director and a campaign kick-off.

Penny Bingman is the new Executive Director for United Fund of Stokes County. She has been flooded with information about United Fund and the roughly 20 member agencies it supports. The experience has been eye opening.

Bingman spent time at the Stokes Stomp and other recent events introducing herself to leaders of member agencies and learning more about what they do in the community and how United Fund dollars are used.

“I never knew all of this,” said Bingman of what she has learned so far. For example, she learned that the summer reading program at local libraries is funded by United Fund.

A native of Westfield, Bingman said, “I’ve always tried to help in our community in any way I could.” And she feels passionate about the work United Fund and its member agencies are doing.

Mary Kerley, president of the United Fund of Stokes County Board of Directors, explains that the 501(c)3 organization was founded in 1958. For a while the organization was part of United Way, but some of the money had to go toward the national organization. So United Fund reverted back to its original set-up, Kerley said. The organization thrives on its motto, “Neighbor Helping Neighbor.”

United Fund of Stokes County only has one paid part-time position — Executive Director. The rest of the help is provided by volunteers. United Fund has an office in Danbury at 102 North Main Street, which is located diagonally across from Danbury General Store. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bingman said many people call the office looking for services, and she always tries to direct them to the appropriate agencies.

The United Fund of Stokes County serves as a funnel, raising money then pouring it into approved non-profit organizations. Each year agencies submit applications to request funding. United Fund board members do one-on-one interviews with the agencies then divide into groups to come up with recommendations for funding, which are then finalized by the board.

Kerley said instead of having to search for an organization to donate to and investigate their operations, people can donate to United Fund who does the work vetting the groups.

“They know that their money is going to be utilized to the maximum,” she said.

People can also designate their funds to go to specific organizations, which United Fundhonors.

Soon a new funding campaign will begin. A luncheon is set for Oct. 4 at Palmyra United Methodist Church to kick off the 2012-13 campaign for donations. Comedian Barry McGee will be the guest speaker. Various community leaders and United Fund donors will attend. The campaign will then run from Oct. 4 through Dec. 31.

Last year pledges were around $169,000, Kerley said. “The economic downturn of course has affected that.”

The majority of the donations come from individuals. Employees at various local businesses work to raise funds, too. Duke Power employees, for example, host a golf tournament each year to raise money.

One of the challenges for United Fund is that 65 percent of Stokes County residents commute outside the county for work, Kerley estimated. Many of them do not know that their United Way payroll deduction pledge can be designated to United Fund of Stokes County. People can write this on the card. United Way will then write United Fund a check less an administrative fee.

Bingman said it is important to give back to the community, because you never know when you may need to take advantage of some of the services offered by local non-profit organizations.

*Courtesy of The Stokes News