Oak Ridge Today

ORAU exceeds $100,000 in annual giving campaign for ninth year in row

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The 2016 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign Chair Don Hanlon, pictured right, Co-Chair Mae Mosley, pictured left, and ORAU President and CEO Andy Page reveal ORAU’s combined giving total of $108,827.16. (Photo by ORAU)

 

For the ninth year in a row, ORAU has broken the $100,000 mark in donations as part of its annual giving campaign for the United Way and Community Shares.

During a concluding ceremony on September 28 in the ORAU Pollard Technology Conference Center, ORAU President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Page announced the 2016 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign total donation amount: $108,827.16. As part of the total donation, ORAU (Oak Ridge Associated Universities) and its employees pledged $78,362 to the United Way and $30,465.16 to Community Shares. [Read more…]

ORNL United Way campaign tops $900,000, an increase from 2015

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s United Way campaign’s $900,000 “big check” with, from left, Ann Weaver, whose Facilities Management Division was the top special fundraiser; 2016 chair Sharon Kohler; co-chair Ken Tobin; Facilities and Operations Director Jimmy Stone, directorate challenge winner for large directorates; and David Keim, representing the Office of the Laboratory Director, the challenge winner for smaller directorates. (ORNL photo by Genevieve Martin)

 

The 2016 United Way campaign at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory raised $900,000—an increase of $30,000 over the 2015 campaign.

“This is a fantastic and generous offer of support from our employees, management, volunteers, and everyone who has been associated in one way or another with this year’s United Way effort,” said campaign chair Sharon Kohler.

The $900,000 total included a corporate contribution from UT-Battelle. Kohler credited the lab’s Leadership Givers, who contribute a certain percentage of their salary per pay period, for providing 65 percent of the total designated by staff through payroll deduction. There were 22 new Leadership Givers joining this year. [Read more…]

TORCH: Proud of community support for Applewood residents, but still work to do

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Applewood Apartments Hunter Circle Aug 8 2016 1

As of Friday, September 23, there were still 11 households that might not have a place to live when Applewood Apartments closes on September 30, according to an organization that helps homeless families in Anderson County. Pictured above is an Applewood Apartments building on Hunter Circle on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

As of Friday, September 23, there were still 11 households that might not have a place to live when Applewood Apartments closes on September 30, according to an organization that helps homeless families in Anderson County.

The closure of the 13-building apartment complex on Hillside Road and Hunter Circle in the Highland View neighborhood was announced in early August.

Andy O’Quinn of Trinity Out-Reach Center of Hope, or TORCH, which is based in Oak Ridge, said he is “extremely proud” of the way the community and its organizations have worked together to help Applewood residents, but there is still work to do.

“At the moment, we are looking for landlords that would be willing to rent by the month to a few people that who receive a disability check and will be getting into income-based housing but need a place to go in the meantime,” O’Quinn said in a Friday status report. “We are also seeking two- and three-bedroom rentals below $550. for our working families. If you think you might have a unit to rent, please e-mail Andy O’Quinn at [email protected].” [Read more…]

United Way 2016 Campaign kicks off today

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The 2016 United Way of Anderson County Fundraising Campaign starts today (Monday, August 15).

“The fundraising campaign is being valiantly led this year by Bear Stephenson and Carroll Welch,” a press release said.

“This year also unveils a new mission statement for the organization: United Way of Anderson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good,” the press release said. “We focus on youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services—the building blocks for a good life and strong community.”

The new mission statement focuses on United Way’s renewed goals of mobilizing volunteers, creating lasting change, and empowering social service programs that serve Anderson County citizens, the release said. In addition, the new mission statement highlights United Way of Anderson County’s new focus areas: youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services. [Read more…]

Free community trainings offered by United Way this summer

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United Way of Anderson County

As part of United Way of Anderson County’s new initiative to strengthen community leadership and facilitate partnerships, the organization is offering community trainings this summer. These trainings are free to attend and open to the community.

Robert’s Rules of Order: July 26, 3-5 p.m. Published in 1876, Robert’s Rules of Order codified parliamentary law and is now used as a manual for conducting meetings and managing group decisions. The training is perfect for agency leaders, business executives, volunteers, and board or committee members who want to learn how to conduct and contribute to productive meetings. Judy Poulson, long-time member of the Knoxville League of Women Voters, will lead the workshop. Poulson has extensive experience in parliamentary procedure, having served as editor, secretary, treasurer, and president of the League over the course of her membership. This training will be interactive, and manuals will be available for purchase. [Read more…]

United Way has annual meeting Thursday, April 21

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The United Way of Anderson County will have its annual meeting on Thursday, April 21.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate a successful campaign season, recognize businesses and board members as well as see the impact made on the community through United Way contributions,” a press release said.

The annual meeting is scheduled from 7:30-8:30 a.m. April 21 at the New Hope Center on Scarboro Road.

Tom Hilton will present a president’s report, Eric Abelquist will give a report of strategic planning outcomes, and John Garrity will report on community impact through grants, the press release said. Gene Patterson and Jim Dodson will present the 2015 campaign report, and the 2016 campaign chairs will be revealed, the release said. [Read more…]

Y-12, Pantex donate $1.1 million to local United Way campaigns

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Y-12-National-Security-Complex-CNS-Sign-Dec-16-2014

The sign at the Scarboro Road entrance to the Y-12 National Security Complex is pictured above on December 16, 2014. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

United Way contributions at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, totaled some $1.1 million, Consolidated Nuclear Security, the managing and operating contractor, announced Tuesday. Contributions from employees, retirees, and the corporation were gathered during the sites’ recent campaigns.

The campaigns also added more than 500 Leadership Givers, who have pledged to donate $1,000 or more. Corporate gifts of some $155,000 also added to the total.

“I’m proud of the contributions made by Y-12 employees to the United Way,” said Y-12 Site Manager Bill Tindal. “Their generosity and dedication to this cause shows that not only do we protect our nation and our allies every day with the work we do, but we also are committed to supporting and improving our local communities through volunteering and United Way donations.” [Read more…]

Reminder: EmiSunshine show is Friday at Grove Theater, benefits United Way

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Emi Sunshine at Grove Theater

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On Friday, October 30, the historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge will return to its roots, hosting a benefit concert headlined by 10-year-old EmiSunshine, the newest talent to take the country music world by storm. Knoxville band Handsome and the Humbles will open the concert, proceeds of which will benefit United Way of Anderson County.

EmiSunshine was born in Madisonville, Tennessee, and grew up listening to Tom Petty and June Carter Cash, sounds which have influenced her current style. From the official EmiSunshine website: “Whether she’s performing on the ‘Today’ show or the Grand Ole Opry or taking the stage at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, she is fearless, confident, and firm in her musical direction. As she says, she sings ‘old-time music,’ but it’s her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and country, with a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure.”

Since a video of her singing on a street went viral, EmiSunshine has amassed an impressive fan base and has given repeat performances in some of the top cities and venues in East Tennessee. However, her motivation remains simple. “I love how I get to sing to people and make them happy,” she says. “I’m really blessed that I get to do this. It makes me feel amazing, like I’m touching somebody’s life.” [Read more…]

ORAU exceeds $100,000 in annual giving campaign for eighth year in a row

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ORAU 2015 Annual Giving Campaign

The 2015 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign Chair Arlene Garrison, pictured right, Co-Chair Don Hanlon, pictured left, and ORAU President and CEO Andy Page reveal ORAU’s combined giving total of $127,404.42. (Photo courtesy ORAU)

 

For the eighth year in a row, ORAU has broken the $100,000 mark in donations as part of the annual giving campaign for the United Way and Community Shares.

During a concluding ceremony on September 29 in the ORAU Pollard Technology Conference Center, ORAU President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Page announced the 2015 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign total donation amount: $127,404.42.

As part of the total donation, ORAU and its employees pledged $97,835.18 to the United Way and $29,569.24 to Community Shares.

Copyright 2015 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Women’s Interfaith Dialogue features Girls Inc. director on Monday

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Rhoni Basden

Rhoni Basden

The Women’s Interfaith Dialogue of Oak Ridge will feature a presentation by Rhoni Basden, executive director of Oak Ridge Girls Inc., on Monday, September 14, at 11 a.m.  The program will be held at Grace Covenant Church, Trinity Center, which is at 320 Robertsville Road.

Basden’s presentation is entitled “Girls Inc.: What We Do for Girls in Oak Ridge.”  She will address the focus, work and activities of the organization. She has headed the local club since 2013.

Basden located in East Tennessee from Seattle where she worked in nonprofit development and federally funded programming. She has an extensive background in child development, special needs, and nonprofit administration in varying organizations from Head Start programs to Autism Awareness groups throughout the city of Seattle. She began her studies at Stetson University in Florida and graduated from the University of San Francisco. [Read more…]

Emi Sunshine at Grove Theater on Oct. 30, proceeds benefit United Way

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Emi Sunshine at Grove Theater

EmiSunshine, a young East Tennessee musician who has performed on the “Today” show and at the Grand Ole Opry, will play at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge on October 30, and proceeds will benefit United Way of Anderson County.

EmiSunshine is from Madisonville, and she is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.

She will perform with Handsome and the Humbles on Friday, October 30. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at The Ferrell Shop, Razzleberry’s, Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, and United Way. Online tickets are available at http://emisushineatthegrove.brownpapertickets.com/. [Read more…]

Taste of Anderson County on Sept. 19 helps United Way, Free Medical Clinic

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Taste of Oak Ridge 2013

The Taste of Oak Ridge, which has become the Taste of Anderson County, is pictured above in 2013. (File photo)

 

The Taste of Anderson County on September 19 will feature food and music and help two local organizations: United Way of Anderson County and the Free Medical Clinic.

The Taste of Anderson County, which has been expanded from the previous Taste of Oak Ridge, will be at Jackson Square starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19.

“Flavors from some of the area’s favorite restaurants and the sounds of local musicians will fill the newly renovated parking lot at Jackson Square,” a press release said. “This year will be bigger and better than ever with vendors from all over the county. More importantly, this event brings a substantial amount of support for two local causes: United Way of Anderson County, and the Free Medical Clinic. Both of these nonprofits are working hard this year to make a big impact in the community. But they can’t do it without the community there to support them.”

The entertainment lineup includes comedian and magician Danny Whitson as the master of ceremonies. Whitson is a professional entertainer from Oak Ridge who specializes in magic and comedy. He has been performing for 15 years, the press release said. [Read more…]