Central Carolina Hospital CEO Doug Doris, center, presents a $2,500 contribution to the United Way of Lee County. Receiving the contribution were United Way executive director Jan Hayes, left, and 2008 campaign chairman Mikeal Basinger.

Central Carolina Hospital contributes
$2,500 to United Way annual campaign

SANFORD — Central Carolina Hospital helped kick off the United Way's annual campaign in grand style by making the year's first contribution.

Hospital CEO Doug Doris presented the $2,500 check at an Aug. 26 Pacesetter breakfast honoring 15 local companies that have stepped forward to help "set the pace" by making significant contributions early in the annual fundraising campaign.

Accepting the check were United Way executive director Jan Hayes and campaign chairman Mikeal Basinger.

In addition to making the cash contribution, Central Carolina Hospital hosted the gathering that packed the hospital's meeting room.

Hayes thanked Doris for Central Carolina Hospital's involvement in the community and said she hopes other companies and individuals will be inspired by the hospital's generosity.

"What we do once every fall makes an unbelievable difference in the lives of families during the entire year," Hayes said later. "It's critically important that we raise a lot of money, but, in the end, it's not really about the money. This is a chance for all of us to help our neighbors when they need it most.

"And, since that means a stronger community for everyone, in many ways, those contributions we make are helping ourselves, too."

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 member agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.