FirstHealth of the Carolinas has been awarded a United Way Spirit of North Carolina Award for their outstanding commitment and support to the community through local involvement in United Way. FirstHealth was awarded the Spirit of North Carolina award in the Sustainability Through Engagement category in Lee County. The Spirit of North Carolina Awards are sponsored annually by United Way of North Carolina.
The Spirit of North Carolina Awards were developed to recognize companies and their employees that show campaign excellence and community commitment. Winners in the Sustainability Through Engagement Category conduct successful United Way campaigns by implementing strategies and tools to engage employees and encourage campaign participation. They also work in partnership with stakeholders to address pressing community challenges.
This year, FirstHealth raised $203,200 for local United Ways in its multi-county service area, with 1,903 employees taking part. Worksite campaigns like this account for nearly half of the total amount of money raised for the overall community-wide effort, emphasizing just how important the efforts and contributions of employee-run campaigns are.
“Activities that contributed to FirstHealth’s selection as a winner include their amazing 58% campaign increase over the prior year in Lee County, corporate support for the campaign and their initiatives that help patients and residents access care and resources,” says Kendra Martin, Executive Director of United Way of Lee County. “We are delighted to recognize FirstHealth as a Spirit of NC Award winner, and we are extremely grateful for their partnership with us as we work to create a healthy community for everyone.”
When the campaign started in November, employees could designate their donations to organizations and areas of their choosing through United Way. As FirstHealth has grown into different communities in North Carolina over the years, it was imperative to give employees this option. Lee County is an area where FirstHealth has expanded its services, making employee support for the community through United Way more impactful.
“As FirstHealth’s services in Lee County expand, I’m proud to see local United Way support increase to the benefit of their partner agencies and programs,” says Wes Cowell, the chairperson of the United Way campaign at FirstHealth.
The Spirit of North Carolina Award for Sustainability Through Engagement will be presented to FirstHealth during a United Way of North Carolina awards ceremony on March 11 in Sanford.
