Page 54 - Cityview_Jan_Feb_2014

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

the three prongs of the united way approach

are education, income, and Health. with these
goals in mind, the organization raised more

than $11 million in 2012. these funds were
used to beneit more than 100,000 people in

the greater Knoxville area through partnering
with more than 40 nonproit agencies.

campaigns include Pilot Flying J, Clay- As for Pilot, each october, the com- the movie’s premiere at the Regal Riviera

ton Homes, Regal Entertainment, and pany sponsors “Pilot Celebrity Pumpers,” on gay Street, partake in an hour-long
Scripps Networks Interactive.
a three-day fund-raiser in which many reception, complete with beer, wine, and

Through Battele oRNL and employee local celebrities and leaders such as popcorn. Proceeds again benefited the
payroll deduction via Campus Chest, the County Mayor Tim Burchett, City Mayor uWgK, specifically its Young Leaders

university of Tennessee is also an irre- Madeline Rogero, and Congressman Jim- Society, which the uWgK is promoting
placeable area partner. In harmony with my Duncan take turns filling gas tanks at to attract new leadership and commit-

the university’s nickname of the Volun- area Pilot stations. It is the single-largest ments for the charity’s future.
teers, uT employees last year donated fund-raiser for the uWgK’s annual Another September event as well as

more than $600,000, and oRNL col- campaign, and for every gallon sold, Pilot collaboration with uT was the “Rock
lected $926,000 on behalf of its workers. donates a nickel to the organization. This This Way” battle of the bands held at

uT football coach Butch Jones kicked off year the event raised $86,200—which the Relix Variety Theatre, where for $7
the oRNL’s “Think 13” united Way cam- was more than a 30 percent increase attendees could hear four bands from

paign this year, uT basketball coach Cu- above last year’s total.
different genres compete for a $500
onzo Martin oversaw the Cuonzo Classic In September, Regal Entertainment prize. o Youth, a Christian youth rock

golf tournament in September (featuring previewed the Formula 1 racing film band, triumphed over Cereus Bright,
coaching staff and former Vol players Rush in a special movie night that, like the Plunderphonics, and Maplehurst. In

with proceeds going to the uWgK), and the great Conversation, was as much addition to raising money for the uWgK,
uT’s director of broadcasting and voice about networking as cinematic diversion. promoters hoped the contest would raise

of the Vols Bob Kesling is the uWgK For $10 attendees could, besides seeing
student awareness of the organization.
campaign chair for the second year in a

row. Nationally, united Way’s colors may FEDERATED GIVING
be blue and white, but the Knoxville af- Although the uWgK raises funds

filiate likes it some orange.
itself, the united Way’s trademark is
Besides the great Conversation, Mc- serving as a community chest—which

Carty has rolled out many other “refresh- means something different in the
ing” and imaginative fund-raisers. Last world of charities than in a Monopoly

year, the uWgK teamed with Young game. A federated giving program
Professionals of Knoxville for the Blind lets smaller nonprofits band together

Wine Event, hosted by the Bridgeview for greater clout and centralization
grill on Neyland Drive. For $35, at- of common tasks, much as how the

tendees taste-tested various donated 50 states coordinate with the central
vintages—as well as craft beers—with
government in Washington, D.C.

a lucky few taking home prize baskets How does this coordination work?
brimming with adult beverages. Because All member organizations agree to

of its initial success, McCarty decided to participate in and submit to united
repeat the tasting this year in November Way Worldwide, “a community-driven

at the Standard.
self-assessment of their community

52 cityviewmag.com january february 2014