Campaign nets more than $89,000 for the United Way of Gaston County

“Show us the money!”  That’s exactly what Gaston County Schools employees, students, and parents did for the United Way of Gaston County annual fundraising campaign.

The school district is a longtime and significant contributor to the local fundraising efforts that provide support for United Way programs in three areas: education, health, and financial stability.  Gaston County Schools’ total for the 2022-2023 academic year is $89,409.10.

“We would like to thank each person who contributed to our fundraising campaign for the United Way,” said Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker.  “Regardless of whether you gave $10 or $100, you gave what you could, and we know that every dollar counts.  When our schools and central level departments come together to support a common cause, we always have positive results.  Without question, raising almost $90,000 is very positive.”  

Leading the way in fundraising for 2022-2023 was Cramerton Middle School and Hunter Huss High School with the schools contributing more than $5,000 each.  Woodhill Elementary increased its giving by more than 200 percent and contributed $4,795.37 to claim a spot among the top three schools in fundraising.  

Here is a look at the top 10 fundraising schools:
1. Cramerton Middle School
2. Hunter Huss High School 
3. Woodhill Elementary School
4. Southwest Middle School 
5. Grier Middle School
6. H.H. Beam Elementary School 
7. Forestview High School 
8. North Gaston High School 
9. Highland School of Technology 
10. Warlick Academy 

Collectively, the top 10 schools account for more than $37,000 of the funds raised by Gaston County Schools.

In addition to having employees make contributions, schools conducted creative and fun activities to engage students and parents in the United Way campaign, and the schools’ hard work and efforts paid off. Twenty-five schools had an increase in giving when compared to last year.  Brookside Elementary, North Gaston High School, Springfield Elementary, and Woodhill Elementary had the most significant increases in giving. Technology Support Services led the giving among central-level departments.

The school district’s United Way campaign is coordinated by the Communications Department/Office of Business Partnerships in cooperation with the 56 schools and various central-level departments.  Valerie Yatko, director of business and community partnerships, has served as the districtwide coordinator for the past three years.  In that time alone, Gaston County Schools has contributed more than $287,000 to the United Way of Gaston County.  

Click here to visit the United Way of Gaston County website to learn about how funds are used locally to build a stronger community and improve people’s lives in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.