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LUMBERTON, NC– Lumber River United Way, a nonprofit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, announces the organization’s official merger with United Way of Bladen County.
In October 2020 Lumber River United Way board of directors authorized to create a 3-county regional United Way, that rebranding started February 1, 2021.
“Merging with United Way of Bladen County enables us to connect with a broader audience, to continue to serve our collective impact, and to better position ourselves to serve underrepresented counties in Southeastern NC,” said Johnny Robertson, board president of Lumber River United Way and owner of John’s Fuel Service in Red Springs. “This new partnership ultimately captures who we are today as we
create a vibrant region where all our neighbors have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
As part of the merger, Lumber River United Way will continue to bring people, ideas, and resources together in Bladen County to improve lives and community conditions. As of February 1, the 2021 Campaign exceeded the goal of raising $20,000 in Bladen County. Currently, United Way’s Bladen County community investment partners include Bladen County 4-H, Families First, and the Foster Children’s Fund with Bladen County Department of Social Services. Future allocation applications with Lumber River United Way will be made available this coming spring with funding to begin in July 2022. Lumber River United Way would like to thank Bladen County Schools, Bladen County Government, Bladen County Community College for implementing employee giving campaigns and Cape Fear Heating & Cooling, BW Green Properties, and Elizabethtown Rotary Club for their financial support of the 2021 Campaign.
“We are excited about the merger with Lumber River United Way, our partnership for the 2021 Campaign showcased to United Way of Bladen County’s board of directors that a full merger was in the best interest of raising the critical funds needed to serve nonprofit partner agencies in Bladen County”, said, Dr. Cathy Gantz, United Way of Bladen County board president. United Way of Bladen County board members Dr. Cathy Gantz and Senior Pastor Jason Williams will join the Lumber River United Way board of directors to represent Bladen County. Additional residents of Bladen County are being recruited to serve on the regional board. If an individual is interested in serving, please contact Lumber River United Way Executive Director Tate Johnson at
tjohnson@lumberriveruw.org
Lumber River United Way brings together people and resources to tackle complex issues and drive sustainable positive change. We unite individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of each and every person in every corner of Bladen, Hoke, and Robeson Counties.
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