Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

     "I was totally shocked," she said. "They really did catch me off guard, but what a pleasure to volunteer for such a wonderful organization.
     Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley, the 2005 campaign chairman, looked back on last year's campaign during the luncheon.
     "It was a lot of fun," he said. "It was a lot of work."
     Relief efforts for the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused fund-raising difficulties during the campaign.
     "It didn't look good," Atchley said. "All the money was flowing down south, rightfully so, but I've never been one to come in second."
     Atchley praised the citizens of Sevier County for their support of the United Way.
     "The people of this county just give and give," he said. "It's unreal the number of people that step forward when you ask for help."
     Carl Parsons, the 2005 United Way Board of Directors chairman, said the 2005 campaign was a successful one despite the challenges.
     "This is a year of special achievement for United Way," Parsons said. "We didn't know we could get $900,000, but we received $905,085. We had some special challenges during the campaign. During the first month, we had Hurricane Katrina."
     The luncheon turned out quite well, said Roy Marshall, United Way executive director.
     "We anticipated one of the largest turnouts that we've had in recent years," he said "This event is to focus on our 2005 successes and all those who were an integral part of that success."
     Kevin Wilson of the Country Tonite Theater will be the 2006 honorary campaign chairman with The Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center receiving designation as a special community impact project during the upcoming campaign.
     "We're waiting to see what it means, but we're very, very excited," said Donna Koester, Safe Harbor executive director.
     The United Way now provides funding to 28 nonprofit agencies, including scouting, Red Cross and programs for senior citizens. The agencies supported typically serve over half the county's citizens. All donations go directly to these agencies and stay in Sevier County.
     The 2005 United Way Campaign Cabinet consisted of: Chairman Bryan Atchley, Honorary Chairman Charlie Bob Smith, Alexis de Tocqueville Chairmen Earl and Margit Worsham, Leadership Chairman R.B. Summit II and Pacesetter Chairman Billy Carroll.
     The campaign chairs for the three cities in Sevier County were: Geoff Wolpert and Sue Bock, Gatlinburg; Leon Downey and Sue Carr, Pigeon Forge; and Jana Thomasson, Sevierville.
     Campaign volunteers were: Robert Batey, Peggy Byrd, Doris Catlett, Sam Chesser, Kevin Davis, Kelly DeBord, Judy Ann Dial, Martha Garrett, Sharon Hauser, Cheryl Houston, Stan Johnson, Kappy Lapides, Deyoun Majors, Ron Newcomb, Linda Russell, Cindy Satterfield, Pete Smith, Joi Whaley, Olga Wierbicki and Margit Worsham.
     Several corporations were recognized for their giving: Wal-Mart, Platinum Donor ($15,000 plus); Black Bear Jamboree and Dollywood, Gold Donors ($10,000 - $14,999); Stop n' Save, Governor's Palace and Burchfiel-Kile Enterprises, Bronze Donors ($1,000 - $4,999).