Three honored by United Way for service

Contributed photo UNITED: Margo Sullivan (second from right) presents recognition plaques to outgoing Clay County members Kathy Tant and Harry Jarrett. Also present: Erik Brinke and Karen Borchers.

Three outgoing Clay County Board Members of the United Way of Cherokee and Clay counties were thanked and honored in June for their service on the Board and their service on the Board and their leadership in helping the United Way expand its services five years ago to serve Clay County. Clay County Commissioner Harry Jarrett, Debbie Jackson and Kathy Tant were given recognition plaques.

"The United Way was established in 1969 to serve people in need in Cherokee County" explained Executive Director Karen Borchers. " It wasn't until 2003 under the leadership of then President LeRoy Ripper, that its services expanded to Clay County. " Ripper, an Andrews business-owner who lived in Peachtree and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville, urged the Board to begin serving Clay County as well as Cherokee County. Father George Kloster, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and St. William Catholic Church in Murphy, also urged that the United Way help the residents of Clay County.

"We sent out a letter to Clay County residents asking people whether they though our services were needed in Clay County and asking for volunteers to assist with the effort," said Borchers. Long time community leader Ed Moeller, local realtor Kay Worden ( ReMax Oak Forest Realty), and Kathy Tant , Executive Director of the Clay County Senior Center, responded immediately and were elected as the first Clay County representatives to the United Way Board of Directors. Debbie Jackson and Harry Jarrett were elected to the United Way Board of Directors shortly thereafter.

"These five people helped introduce the United Way to people in Clay County and helped the United Way to understand the social services needs of Clay County," said Borchers.

Each year, the United Way's volunteer Board of Directors identifies the most pressing needs in the community it serves and allocates the funds it raises to local non-profit agencies which provide essential help. Contributors to the United Way can specify whether they ant their donation be used in Clay County, Cherokee County, or both counties. Since 2003, the united Way has distributed almost $2,500 to agencies in Clay County which provide vital services to residents of the Clay County area.

Current Clay County representatives on the Board of the United Way of Cherokee and Clay Counties are President Margo Sullivan, Margit Blekfeld-Sztraky, George Kloster, Heather Wise and Kay Worden, Paul Leek, Clay County Manager, was newly elected to the Board in June.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Land transfer tax-- let the voters decide	1