For Immediate Release
Lincolnton, North Carolina: At United Way of Lincoln County’s 2026 Annual Meeting on October 8, 2026, the community celebrated an exceptional year of growth both in its campaign and in community impact.
With a staggering $474,730 raised for United Way of Lincoln County, the 2025-2026 campaign grew by more than 13% compared to last year and is comprised of workplace gifts, corporate gifts, community donors, and other funds raised. Of this, 100% of individual donations go to support program investments for Lincoln County residents.
This funding ensured 2,148 individuals received affordable medication and health service assistance and 275 community members were able to get active through our summer 5K and weekly Wellness on the Square meetings. Over 760 vulnerable neighbors were provided shelter and wrap-around services, and 145 lives were empowered through housing stability assistance, financial literacy, and life skill support. In terms of youth opportunity, UWLC funding impacted more than 5,000 lives through awareness, prevention, intervention, and education services focused on addressing and preventing child abuse, and over 700 students, teachers, and families were supported through back-to-school supplies, literacy events, tutoring, and summer arts enrichment..jpg)
At the Annual Meeting, United Way of Lincoln County publicly recognized a few incredible community supporters. For their superb campaign, The Timken Company was awarded as Corporate Champion, as they have demonstrated extraordinary generosity and leadership through corporate contributions and employee giving. This year alone, the Timken Company contributed $139,748.53, matching employee contributions dollar for dollar. Atrium Health–Lincoln was awarded the Leadership Award for the highest leadership-level giving increase with a 256% increase in total leadership contributions. The Rising Star Award was given to Green New Energy Materials for exceptional generosity and investment in Lincoln County as they gave one of the most significant corporate gifts in our organization’s history. For our school ally awards, Battleground Elementary School and East Lincoln High School had a 53% and 86% increase in giving compared to last year respectively. In addition to these organizations and businesses, four individuals were highlighted as well.
Lincoln County is blessed to have dozens of committed people who make it their mission to impact the community. This year, Jennifer Raimey was awarded United Way Ambassador Award for embodying the heart of UWLC’s mission. She is a dedicated board member, leadership donor, and active committee member, and she goes above and beyond in all of her service, whether at work, in the coffee shop, or out in the community. The Community Impact Award was given to Chandlar Mims, a City of Lincolnton Police Officer, for demonstrating genuine care, support, and love for his neighbors who need a helping hand. He does not simply see a need; he goes out of his way to meet it. In addition to the two awards, two others were recognized for outstanding impact in Lincoln County. Sherry Reinhardt, who is retiring as the executive director of the Child Advocacy Center for the past seventeen years, has given her heart and action to Lincoln County for years, and her leadership, dedication, and sincerity will never be forgotten. As the Asbury Resource Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Leslie Barlowe was also recognized for being a driving force behind providing clothing, shoes, and hygiene essentials to all Lincoln County children in need. Each of these individuals and businesses support our community and UWLC’s mission.
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United Way of Lincoln County’s Annual Meeting brought together donors, businesses, faith communities, education leaders, government employees, and more. Beyond presenting awards, current board chair, Michelle Barnhart, and incoming board chair, Lauren Heavner, shared their vision for UWLC, along with their hopes for the impact made in Lincoln County. Robin Radovitch, a representative from United Bank, shared a heartwarming story about the impact United Way can make on an individual family, and Julie Byrne, a UWLC board member and the keynote speaker, encouraged those in attendance to come together to move mountains, because when neighbors help neighbors, there is nothing we cannot do.
Alisha Friday, UWLC executive director, said, “Last year’s incredible momentum shows what we can accomplish when neighbors come together. As we kick off a new campaign, we invite our community to keep that momentum going. Whether through giving, volunteering, or advocating, everyone has a role to play in building a stronger Lincoln County.” It is that message that urges United Way of Lincoln County forward into this next season, and we hope to embody what neighbors helping neighbors truly means.