The theme for the 2003-2004 United Way of Suwannee Valley campaign was “Friends Helping Friends.” Volunteers’ hard work and the slogan proved true as the campaign total was announced at the annual banquet and awards ceremony in Lake City.



The goal for this year’s United Way effort was set at $600,000. The total amount of pledges announced at the banquet was $604,585.



United Way President John Hopkins said he was proud of the accomplishments of this year’s campaign, “The needs of our local community remain as great as ever and the 24 agencies we support will insure that those needs are continually met.”



Rupert Murray and the PCS campaign team were presented a special award at the banquet. Every year, PCS provides support to the community through the United Way campaign.



Also during banquet ceremonies, volunteer Junior Griffin was honored posthumously for his many years of service to the community and specifically to United Way.



Highlight of the evening came with the passing of the president’s gavel to Wes Small, who will serve as ’04-’05 president.



The United Way raises money through donations, the annual golf tournament event and the annual auction.