2007 Campaign Chair Ron Autrey, Board of Directors Chair Michael Korn, United Way President Connie Hodges, Terry West of VyStar, and 2006 Campaign Chair Hugh Greene. Hugh Greene, 2006 Campaign Chair and Baptist Health President and CEO, kicked off the awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding individual contributors, companies and employees. Throughout the year, more than 100,000 individuals and 1,000 companies supported the 2006 United Way campaign. “It’s been my honor to lead this year’s campaign effort,” Greene said. “I am proud of the success that we have all helped create for our community. Together, these individuals and businesses alike are helping bring about lasting, positive change.” In 2006, United Way’s Tocqueville Society contributed $4 million to the campaign, a 7 percent increase over 2005. With 67 new members on board and donations of at least $10,000 each, they have helped surpass this year’s goal. During the awards celebration a special presentation was given to honor David and Linda Stein for their gift of $1 Million. They are the second couple to donate $1 Million to United Way of Northeast Florida with the first coming from Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1999 and again in 2004. “Our own Tocqueville Society leads by example,” Greene said. “And as you can see, its members include some of the most philanthropic and well-respected citizens in Northeast Florida. They take the lead in supporting the health and human service needs of our First Coast region.” The Community Care Challenge, also contributed to the campaign’s growth. Since launching in 2003, it has inspired individual donors to become leadership givers (gifts of $1,000 or more) and encouraged corporate donations through a matching program. In 2006, the program cultivated new donors and challenged existing ones to increase their gifts. Sponsors included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Baptist Health, Coggin Automotive Group, The Haskell Company, and Regency Centers. The top 20 companies who give to United Way raised $11,319,499, which accounts for 45% of the $25,175,823 given during the 2006 campaign. (The Top 20 companies are featured on the Honorees' page.) Russ Jollivette, Chair of United Way’s 2006 Board of Trustees expressed that, “Through these generous gifts United Way is ensuring that: young children enter kindergarten ready to learn; seniors remain active and independent; individuals are self-sufficient; and our youth are prepared for success.” With the 2006 campaign complete, Hugh Greene is now passing the torch to Ron Autrey, President and Chief Operating Officer of Miller Electric. Marty Lanahan, city president of AmSouth Bank, will act as 2008 Campaign Chair. >> more photos >> The Honorees