[June 14, 2013] Twin County United Way celebrates annual campaign Tweet Jun 14, 2013 (Lewiston Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Newly elected Twin County United Way President Mike Berghammer said outgoing president Seyra Lawrence leaves big shoes to fill, but he's confident his size 14 black cowboy boots are up to the challenge. "It's going to be a fun two years," Berghammer said. "We're going to have a great time." Members of United Way snacked on salad and sandwiches during the annual Twin County United Way banquet at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston Thursday afternoon. Executive Director Layci Peer said the banquet was a celebration of the United Way's yearly campaign. More than $674,000 was raised during the 2012-13 campaign, which Peer said is about $2,000 more than the previous year. The majority of the money goes into the community impact fund and is invested toward improving education, income and health in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Peer highlighted the Children's Project as one of United Way's influential programs. The project is geared toward preparing at-risk youth for kindergarten, although Peer said it is open for all children in that age group. Four local businesses were recognized during the banquet for their efforts in supporting United Way. Fazzari's, which served pizza to more than 220 volunteers during the annual Day of Caring, received the small business award. Inland Cellular and Ida-Vend Broadcasting tied for the medium business award. And ATK CCI-Speer, the title sponsor for the United Way golf tournament during the last three years, was the recipient of the large business award. Lawrence was named volunteer of the year for her leadership as the former president. "This was unexpected," Lawrence said as she accepted her award. "I think as president you do what comes your way." Nathan Alford, editor and publisher of the Lewiston Tribune, was recognized for the role he and his wife, Joanna, served as honorary campaign chairs. Alford said the common goal of improving the community and knowing every penny donated goes toward helping others makes investing time and money in United Way worthwhile. Peer said the honorary campaign chair is the "face of the campaign" and spreads awareness about United Way's goals. John McKee, vice president and general manager of Clearwater Paper's Lewiston operations, will serve as the honorary campaign chairman of the 2013-14 campaign, which starts Sept. 6. Michelle King, who served on the board of directors, will take over Berghammer's position as campaign chair. The 2012 loaned executives, who contact businesses to support United Way, and the corporate champions -- local businesses that fund 100 percent of United Way's administrative costs -- were also honored during the banquet. The banquet concluded as members of United Way chatted and reminisced with one another about the various successes of the campaign. And the newly elected leaders already have hopes of raising a record amount of money in the upcoming campaign. "Please don't take it personal that we're going to beat you," King said. Eiguren may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2270. ___ (c)2013 the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho) Visit the Lewiston Tribune (Lewiston, Idaho) at www.lmtribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]