Large crowd for United Way’s 50th

The community turned out in a large way for a dinner meeting last night that recognized an Oconee benevolent organization that helps those in need.  The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the United Way of Oconee County.  Evidenced by a couple of strong rounds of applause, there was the sense last night that the United Way staff, under new leadership, and its volunteers that include new faces on the board of directors will push forward into the future.  Twenty-five year United Way worker LaShauna Harrison is the new chief executive officer.  Harrison’s aunt, Ida Harrison, took home the volunteer of the year award, now named for John Palmer, the outgoing treasurer.  United Way President Lisa Williams passed the gavel to a new president, Tom Ray.  There are eight new board members:  Heather Goss, Stan McAlister, Teresa Alexander, Koti Hubbard, David Black, Matt Turner, Vanessa Wood, and Dan Alexander.  Toward the end of the evening, it was announced that the Oconee United Way and Heath’s Haven are one of three recipients of a $75 thousand grant to help strengthen families.