David Montgomery set to lead
United Way annual campaign

SANFORD — After three years on the United Way board, David Montgomery takes on a new role this fall as chairman of the annual campaign.

Each campaign raises money distributed to more than two dozen public service groups working to solve Lee County's most urgent needs. The United Way's partner agencies are selected each spring in a comprehensive review process conducted by volunteers from throughout the community.

This fall's campaign kicks off Aug. 27, before a downtown concert sponsored by Downtown Sanford Inc., and continues through December. Despite the difficult economy, businesses and individuals joined forces to raise about $500,000 last year, and the new campaign chairman says even more will be needed this year to care for struggling families.

"I believe that the United Way is an easy way for people to become involved with their community," says Montgomery. "Whether it's serving on the team deciding how contributions are used, volunteering at one of our local partner agencies or making a routine small donation through company payroll, we all can make a contribution of some kind that will make life better here for all of us."

The campaign chairman is no stranger to public service. As executive director of Downtown Sanford Inc., Montgomery works to enhance economic health and the quality of life downtown, and he's been a mainstay in the local United Way. In addition to serving on the board, Montgomery has worked several years on volunteer teams evaluating local agencies and deciding how to invest contributions in ways that solve community needs.

Given how the bad economy has affected so many families, Montgomery says, the United Way has returned to basics this year, focusing on essential human needs.

"As director of Downtown Sanford, I've seen firsthand the impact the economy has had," Montgomery says. "Our community volunteers have decided — and I agree — that now is the time to focus on needs like feeding the poor, housing the homeless and helping people get the medical care they need.

"With dollars being as scarce as they are, we need to look at the most effective use of our contributions."

The new approach actually is a fairly old one. Providing essential human services has always been the backbone of the United Way, Montgomery says, so maybe it’s appropriate that the director of the city's center, where so many of those service providers are located, helps lead the way.

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen partner agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.

Media Contacts

Jan Hayes, Executive Director
919.776.5823
janhayes@leecountyunitedway.org

David Montgomery, Campaign Chairman
919.775.8332
downtown@sanfordnc.net