United Way of Northeast Florida announced this morning that its 2011-12 annual campaign raised $25.53 million, meeting its goal of a 2 percent increase over 2010-11.
The group said it will focus the funds on supporting its key areas of education, income and health.
“Once again, the generous nature of the North Florida community, both corporate and private citizens, was strong,” said campaign Chairman Terry West, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union.
United Way’s five-year strategic plan identified education, income and health “as the building blocks for a good quality of life in Northeast Florida.”
The Leadership Recognition breakfast, called “Investing In Impact — Celebrating The Power Of You,” was held this morning at the Omni Hotel Downtown.
United Way partners with 57 agencies to support 87 programs addressing education, income and health and support human-services needs in Duval, Nassau, Baker, Clay and northern St. Johns counties.
“Terry and his campaign cabinet did a fantastic job,” said United Way of Northeast Florida President Connie Hodges.
The annual Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Awards were given to Amy Buggle, founder of DLC Nurse and Learn, and Susan Greene, a community volunteer.
This year’s campaign received strong support from companies and organizations throughout Northeast Florida, said United Way.
Million Dollar Circle companies included Florida Blue, CSX Transportation Inc., Publix Super Markets and Vistakon, who collectively generated nearly $6 million of the campaign total pledged for 2011-12.
Top supporting companies and organizations and their employee campaign chairs were also recognized during the event.
United Way’s Tocqueville Society, made up of donors giving $10,000 or more annually and led this year by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, raised $4.96 million toward the campaign goal.
The Weavers were recognized for their leadership with United Way’s Tocqueville Chair award.
Ron Autrey, president and COO of Miller Electric Co., and his wife, Hilah, were named to lead the Tocqueville Society in the 2012-13 campaign.
United Way also announced that Greg Smith, Florida Market president for Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, will lead the 2012 campaign.
Smith began his career with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch in 1998 in the Commercial Real Estate Division. He became the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida Market president in 2006.