Story By Mary Bailey
Hundreds gathered yesterday for the 2025-2026 Campaign Celebration and annual meeting luncheon for Marshall County United Way.
A warm welcome was given to start the meeting by Marshall County United Way Executive Director Erica Martin.
“We are here to celebrate but even more we are here to recognize and honor those who made these years campaign a success,” Martin said. “Your generosity, your faith in the mission and your steadfast support have brought us here to this beautiful moment. Every gift that is given throughout our campaign whether large or small carries a real impact in our community. And today we get to celebrate that not just for the funds raised but for the lives that have been touched and the hope that has been strengthened because of your compassion. Together we are building a community that not only chooses to care but show up and make a difference as well.”
Invocation and meal prayer was given by Shirley Holland of CASA of Marshall County.
“This is something important to me, I feel like I know you all after 16 years of being here,” Holland said. “I understand your hearts, it is just such a blessing to be with people who understand that ultimate level of living is in giving. To be a part of this is just super special.”
The Community Report was given by 2025 United Way Board President Melissa McKee.
“For the past year I have had the privilege of serving as the President as the United Way Board of Directors,” McKee said. “Thanks to your generosity, United Way of Marshall County invested more than $550,000 in 2025. This helps ensure that essential programs and services remain available to those in the community who need the services most.”
McKee said other areas of progress in 2025 included:
-Over 2,400 calls for assistance were received from 211
-Held 28th Annual Day of Caring with over 400 in attendance
-100 service and collection projects were adopted by 48 local companies and organizations
23 companies organized casual day
-Extended community food drive
“Because of you lives are touched and hope is strengthened across our county. With your continued partnership we are confident that United Way will keep building a better and brighter future for our friends and neighbors.”
Cade Smith, 2025/2026 Campaign Chair, then gave brief campaign report.
“Thanks to each of you for your presence here and your continued support of United Way,” Smith said. “Without each of you we would not be here today.”
$765,000 was the 2025 campaign goal, and it was the fourth year in a row they felt an increase was necessary.
The total goal raised was $780,587.00
Smith also presented the “Live United Award” to past Executive Director Carrie Thomas.
“Carrie is instrumental in what we do and has been over the course of her career,” Smith said of Thomas. “She served as the Executive Director for 10 years. To say she served the organization well would be an understatement. Over the last 10 years Carried has helped pour $7.6 million dollars of community funds back into our community and our partner agencies hands. It could not have been done without the people in this room and Carrie being the driving force behind it. Carrie’s dedication to her community is evident in everything she does.”
Thomas, overwhelmed with emotions, came to the podium.
“This is a total surprise and I’m extremely grateful and honored. And thank you, Cade, for such wonderful comments,” Thomas said. “On the drive up here, I did do a little drive down memory lane. It is a little odd to be on this side of the award. I was thinking back to 2012 when I was hired, I was so grateful for being given the opportunity. United Way has such an impact on my life, and it has been such a privilege to work with the staff and every board member, every donor, every volunteer, every partner agency, every company that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. It is such a blessing. I look forward to watching the impact these incredible organizations have on this community. Thank you again, I’m very grateful.”
Thomas moved to Auburn in 2025 and now works for a private family foundation.
2025/2026 Loaned Executives Taylor Burns, Emma Goodwin and Pam Osborn gave special remarks before the campaign awards presentation.
Before the closing of the luncheon Melissa McKee made the passing of the gavel to the 2026 United Way Board of Directors President, Sara Watkins.
“I want to thank Melissa McKee for her service to United Way and serving as board president for the last year. She has been a devoted leader, and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment to United Way and the well-being of our community,” Watkins said. “As we close out and celebrate one campaign, we are already working towards putting together the 2026/2027 campaign team. As we prepare for the next campaign, we ask that you consider becoming a volunteer. We need volunteers to serve as Loaned Executives on out campaign cabinet. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we need you. The dedication of your time, talent and resources have had a profound impact in our community and you have helped us improve lives all over the county. We know many of you are loyal contributors. This United Way and our community are stronger today thanks to the generosity of so many faithful and dedicated supporters. So, thank you again and we look forward to seeing you next year as we celebrate another successful campaign. ”
Watkins announced that Sept 15, 2026, will be this year’s Campaign Kickoff and Day of Caring Breakfast.
2025 United Way Statistics:
-211 most requested services in Marshall County in 2025:
#1. Housing and Shelter
#2. Utility Assistance
#3. Food Assistance
#4. Healthcare Needs
#5. Transportation
-Small Business Radio Blitz:
32 small businesses pledged more than $6,900
-Celebrity Bagging:
$4,980 in “tips” donated
-Community Food Drive:
More than 4,400 cans of food were given
United Way Staff:
Erica Martin- Executive Director
Belinda Jordan- Finance/Office Manager
Malarie Allen- Marketing & Community Impact Coordinator
Carrie Thomas- Former Executive Director
United Way Board of Directors:
Outgoing Board President- Melissa McKee
2026 Board President: Sara Watkins
Vann Scott- Vice-president
Sarah Watkins- Secretary
Jordan Smith- Treasurer
Board Members:
DonNeeysa Adams
Jennifer Amos
Taylor Beck
Adam Culbert
Andrea Elrod
Steven Knowles
Lauren Ray
Amber Sealey
Laura Upton
Terri Waddell
Stacey White
Campaign Acheievements:
Recipient of the Wendell R. Glassco Spirit of Giving Award: Shepherd’s Cove Hospice
Best Employee Giving Campaign: Alatrade
Star Award- Most improved workplace campaign: Citizens Bank & Trust
Beast Overall Campaign-Largest Overall Corporate Campaign: Progress Rail
Live United Award- Exemplifies the spirit of United Way: Carrie Thomas
Company Unity Award:
Benefit Professionals/401KSafe
Citizens Bank & Trust
First Bank of Boaz
Peoples Independent Bank of Boaz
Soultions Bank
Tennessee Valley Media Co-Advertiser Gleam
United Way Agency Unity Award:
4-H Clubs of Marshall County/ Cooperative Extension
CAJA of Marshall County
CASA of Marshall County
Child Advocacy Center
Childcare Resource Network
Domestic Violence Crisis Services
Marshall County Arc
Chairman’s Bronze Award:
Alatrade
CAJA of Marshall County
CASA of Marshall County
Childcare Resource Network
Marshall County Arc
Shepherd’s Cove Hospice
Chairman’s Silver Award:
Huntington Bank
Domestic Violence Crisis Services
Marshall-Jackson 310 Agency
WQSB- Sand Mountain Broadcasting
Chairman’s Gold Award:
BPI Media Group
Citizens Bank & Trust
First Bank of Boaz
First Southern State Bank
Howard Bentley Buick GMC
Paragon
Peoples Independent Bank
Progress Rail
Solutions Plus Bank
Tennessee Valley Media Co.- Advertiser Gleam
For more information about Marshall County United Way visit unitedwaymarshall.org.
