History

1993

Seeing the potential for immediate financial gain to the community, an organizational committee created the first Board of Directors. The committee and, ultimately, the new Board were lead by Ross Hurst. Initially, the organization was funded solely by contributions from the Wal-Mart Distribution Center employees.

1994

Mr. Hurst oversaw the creation of a Strategic Plan and the selection of a new chairperson (Rev. John Mahon) who expanded the campaign to several new businesses. The first local business (L&L Mechanical) began to participate along with a number of new large corporations as well as Dixie College. Contributions doubled from $30,000 to $60,000.

1995

Under the direction of our third chairperson, Grey Larkin, a new publicity campaign was put together and local businesses were strongly encouraged to begin participating in their United Way. Our first tabloid was created in "The Spectrum" highlighting some of the new recipients of funding. By adding the Washington County School District and others to the campaign roster, contributions increased to their current level of approximately $70,000.

1996

Mr.Vardell Curtis, a long time member of the Board, was selected as chair and helped realize a dream the Board had been considering since its first meeting. In July "The Volunteer Center of Washington County" was launched with a funding commitment from the City of St. George and County Commissions of more than $40,000 for the first three years of operation. The Volunteer Center is designed to work hand in hand with United Way adding manpower to money in the effort to meet established community needs. The public awareness of Volunteer Center services was increased. Outside grant money for the Volunteer Center was applied for.

A drive was organized to increase the number of businesses participating in the campaign. The campaign presentations expanded significantly in the number presented. Focus was given to creating a working Board where each member would be actively engaged in the campaign process. The United Way Executive Committee also became a real working arm for the United Way Dixie. The Strategic Plan was also updated. During the period Vardell Curtis served as Chairman, the official United Way office was opened (East St. George Boulevard).

There were intense efforts to become a part of all the working agencies in the community, including the Interfaith Council.

United Way assisted the County Christmas Giving Program with cash for blankets and cribs as well as volunteer labor for sorting and delivery.

1997

Cheri Atkin was selected as Chairperson, and she was encouraged to stabilize the leadership team and board. As the United Way expanded in its involvement and dimension in the community, it became apparent that more consistency, continuity and involvement on the part of the Executive Committee and Board was imperative. The Executive Committee continued to stabilize their chairmanship. This gave more depth and breadth in the leadership structure. This also allowed an experienced United Way team member to assume the responsibility for each of the areas in the Strategic Plan and to give specific assignments for the year to each Board member with follow-up. The Board reviewed and evaluated the need for accessibility and visibility to the community of the United Way office and the Volunteer Center. The United Way offices were moved to Tadd Hafen's new office to improve accessibility and provide answering services throughout the day. At the same time, operating costs were reduced.

The Board expanded the Volunteer Center by combining with RSVP. Now the center would be open full time and would encompass all ages of volunteers. The center was staffed by RSVP volunteers. A positive relationship has continued with the Interfaith Council. Outside grant monies for the Volunteer Center were applied for and received.

A video was produced to use as a campaign tool. Local recipient agencies and donor businesses were used as the actual presenters on the video. J.C. Penney and Stephen Wade Auto covered the cost of the video production. (This was evidence that the strength in the executive team was producing results).

At Campaign Kickoff, businesses were invited to a sponsored breakfast and luncheon to preview the video and were encouraged to allow United Way into their businesses for campaign. The video was then used in presentations to the local service clubs and Chambers of Commerce. The Video allowed for consistency in the campaign presentations throughout the year. Campaign presentations were expanded to include more businesses (an ever present goal).

United Way assisted again with organizing and delivering Christmas gifts to the indigent.

1998

Don McNabb gave full thrust to broadening the base of the number of businesses involved in the United Way Campaign. The Board arranged appointments with executives of businesses not presently involved. Don intensified a means to facilitate public awareness of the United Way and services available, such as posters, media, service organizations, visits and other presentations. The Campaign Kick-Off was a well-attended (over 100 persons) Gala at Tuacahn. The event was sponsored by local businesses. Many more business leaders became aware and more sensitive to the United Way Mission.

Don reviewed with the Five County Associations of Government the needs and possibilities available to the low-income community to provide transportation for work, medical, shopping and other special needs.

The Board involvement expanded and more committees were organized. United Way's presence and awareness in the community was expanding. There were more people involved in the actual campaign and allocation. The Executive Committee was able to review and fine tune the Strategic Plan, identifying other areas of need and possible approaches to meet those current and future needs.

The Volunteer Center was approved and relocated to a St. George Boulevard storefront. This again improved accessibility. The center would be open 100% of the time and staffed by RSVP Volunteers. Outside grant monies were received for the Volunteer Center.

United Way assisted in the Christmas Delivery Program.

1999

Tony Allen secured United Way of Washington County's 501C3 and changed the name to United Way Dixie. Our status was officially separated from United Way of Central and Southern Utah. The first United Way Dixie golf tournament fundraiser was held at Sunbrook Golf Course. Mr. Allen was also instrumental in the creation of the Samaritan Technologies software, which has been used to track volunteers and service opportunities.

2000

Gil Gillespie set the goal of raising $100,000 and was successful in raising that amount. Tami Sevier was hired as a part-time staff person.

2001

Tadd Hafen of Hafen, Buckner, Everett and Graff served as chairman. Skywest and the City of St. George sponsored the Mini Indy Race and raised $49,000. Williams Gas Transmission matched the money 100%. First year raising more than $200,000. 100% of employee contributions was given directly to agencies. Overhead was covered by corporate donors. The United Way office was moved to 10 N. 100 E. and funded 15 local agencies.

2002

Daryl Farnsworth, Vice President of MB Media, served as chairman. The first United Way Day of Caring was held. Former United Way of America Chairman, Dimon McFerson, made our first $5,000 donation to United Way Dixie. United Way Dixie relocates to 1070 W. 1600 S. Bldg. B. Annual goal of $250,000 was reached.

2003

Bob Hudson of The Spectrum was elected to chair. United Way Day had 200 volunteers, 14 agencies served, and 30 projects. Eight projects were for seniors in need of household repairs and yard care. Twenty-six businesses served the community. This was the first year allocating more than $160,000 to 18 local agencies.

2004

Joe Hepp, a retired volunteer, served as Interim Chair. C.P.O. working 30 hours week. New policies and procedures and UWA standards implemented. Changing to Community Impact. Allocated $161,862.00 to 18 agencies. 15 new businesses. First $10,000 gift from a grand opening.

2005

Tom McArthur, business owner of McArthur's Jewelers, is serving as our chairman. We moved to larger office, two hired full time, p/t staff 19 hours, AmeriCorps Vista 40 hours had Experience Works vol. for 20 hours wk. Community Assessment completed, new Board members, first De Tocqueville giver and staff UWA training, updated by-laws, Incorporated a business plan, moving towards Community Impact. Coordinated a disaster Coalition. UWA new logo. Raised $283,351.59 allocated $180,000.00 to 14 agencies. 59 businesses participated in our local campaign.

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