United Way awards honor volunteers, contributors

One of George Boatwright's favorite United Way of Aiken County activities is the "fun day" he coordinates each year for families and kids during the fall fundraising campaign.

"I like doing carnivals," the Publix store manager said at the organization's awards luncheon Friday. "It's the best way to give back to the kids."

Described as an unsung hero, Boatwright was named the United Way 2009 volunteer of the year by the 2008 recipient, Dave Hepner. Boatwright was praised for his work with the campaign kickoff and victory celebrations, the "Be a Bunny" project for seniors, the school supplies drive, the newsletters and brochures and the "Raising the Steaks" fundraiser.

"George is a great communicator," Hepner said. "Without him, the message of 'Live United in Aiken County' would not be heard with such resonance. He is a person of great heart and compassion and is a strong advocate within the business community and Aiken County."

Boatwright worked with United Way while living in the Augusta area, then got involved locally after taking the Aiken Publix management position 10 years ago. His participation increased about six years ago when he accepted a communications committee chair assignment.

"This is a big surprise, just unbelievable," Boatwright said of the award. "This is just what I do."

The awards dinner recognized a number of individuals and businesses that helped provide a startlingly successful year. Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the campaign raised $2.71 million for more than 60 social service programs - exceeding the 2009 goal by more than $200,000.

"People keep rising to the occasion," said Sharon Cormier, a board member and loaned executive trainer. "We have a very giving community, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Cormier, too, was stunned when she was named the humanitarian of the year - cited for her work with the communications committee, the Project Vision home repair initiative and chairmanship of the health and healing care council.

"This is very humbling for me, and I'm touched," Cormier said. "I started as a loaned executive in 2006, and that was the most rewarding thing I've done publicly and privately in my career."

The Community Spirit Award was renamed the Stanley A. Quarles Memorial Community Spirit Award in 2001 following the death of the City of Aiken executive, a longtime United Way volunteer. His wife, Amber Quarles, was delighted to present the 2009 award to the City's Cammie Hayes and all of the employees for their efforts in holding "A Day at Hard Labor Day" BBQ cook-off.

"Employees of the city dedicated their time and talents on their day off to help raise funds for United Way of Aiken County," Quarles said.

Campaign Chairman Jeff Wallace was recognized for his contributions during the fundraising program. He will be succeeded by Barbara Smoak this year. United Way board Chairman Bill Inman formally turned over the gavel to the new chairman, Keith Wood.

"United Way and its 32 partner agencies provide hope to so many less fortunate members of our community," Wood said. "Everyone in this room knows the needs and understands the importance of giving back."

Other award winners included Dan Lambert ("Live United"); Bridgestone and the Aiken Standard (large and small businesses of the year); Aiken Electric Cooperative and UPS Supply Chain Solutions (Making a Difference awards); Bridgestone's James Wright (employee campaign manager of the year); WSI/SRS and Shaw Areva MOX Services (special events of the year); Jefferson Elementary School (school of the year) and First Citizens (bank of the year).

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.