Representatives of the United Way of East Mississippi spent Thursday afternoon reflecting – and looking ahead – during its annual meeting at Weidmann’s Restaurant in Meridian.

The agency raised more than $800,000 during its “Let the Force be in You” 2017-2018 annual campaign, Campaign Chairwoman Angela Payne said. The money will benefit programs in Clarke, Kemper, Neshoba and Lauderdale counties.

Many of the United Way’s programs continue to be successful, said Scott Stevens, who served as chairman of the board during the campaign. Stevens said 7,500 students received back to school supplies during the Stuff the Bus program and the agency was able to continue its State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

It also increased the impact of its tax preparation program and reached a milestone with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, distributing more than 225,000 books to area children.

Thursday’s meeting also served as the official introduction of Derron Radcliff as the executive director of the United Way of East Mississippi. 

“I’m excited about working with our community – our community that believes in giving back, our community that cares about taking care of others,” Radcliff told the audience. “I am convinced that we are the most loving, the most giving and the most beautiful people in the entire world, right here in East Mississippi.”

Looking ahead, Radcliff said the agency hopes to expand the Imagination Library, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and its tax preparation program. He also noted the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program tallied a 14,761 volunteer hours over the last year.

Emily Strasser, who has volunteered in the tax preparation program for several years, was honored as Volunteer of the Year during the reception. Archie McDonnell, president and CEO of Citizens National Bank, received the Al Rosenbaum Lifetime Achievement Award, and receiving the Community Cup Award was Citizens National Bank, who raised more than $31,000 during the campaign.

Vital Care, Inc., Fred and Sissie Wile, The Phil Hardin Foundation, The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation and The Strasser Family Foundation were recipients of the Tocqueville Leadership Recognition, which honors individuals or foundations that donate $10,000 or more.

Pacesetters for the year – which brought in about $250,000 – included Alliance Health Center, Anderson Regional Health System, Bank Plus, Citizens National Bank, The Citizens Bank, City of Meridian, the EMBDC, First State Bank, Great Southern National Bank, Meridian Coca Cola, Meridian Community College, Meyer & Rosenbaum, Mississippi Power Company-Meridian, MSU-Meridian, Mitchell Companies, North American Coal – Liberty Fuels, Regions Bank, Rush Health Systems, Trustmark Bank and WTOK TV.