Suffolk News-Herald

On last Tuesday in the private dining room at Obici Hospital, Harry Lee Cross, 2002 United Way Campaign Chairman, sponsored a breakfast and provided tuxedos for local CEO’s who exceeded their United Way &uot;tuxedo challenge&uot; during the 2002 campaign. That challenge was also made to put a little pizzazz into fundraising.

&uot;Last year when the United Way was making its annual campaign, I asked CEOs of major industries to make a goal and if they met that goal, which didn’t have to be just money, I would provide the CEOs a tuxedo for the day as a way of thanking them for meeting that goal. The breakfast was also a way of saying thank you to management for the way that they supported United way,&uot; said Cross.

About 10 CEOs represent 10 companies; businesses and industries participated and included Mike Hughes, CEO of United Way of South Hampton Roads; Craig Renanelli, plant manager, CIBA Specialty Chemicals; Kenda Council, Branch manager, Bank of America; Angela

Scott, vice president of Resource Development United Way of (SHR); Tywana German, director of resource development (UW); John Sebrell, First Virginia Bank; Win Winslow, CIBA Specialty Chemicals and Dr. Milton Liverman, Supt. of Suffolk Public Schools.

Lydia Duke said that she thought that it was extra nice of Bill Giermak allowing them to meet at Obici for the breakfast. &uot;I am a strong advocate of the United Way and what they stand for because it helps all people from all walks of life across the board and has all types of diversified programs. The breakfast was a way of bringing the community and CEOs together to congratulate each other. I am especially proud of Duke Automotive and our employees because this year we increased our fundraising by 19 percent; and in these hard economic times, I think that this is just outstanding,&uot; she said.

Duke wore a white tuxedo with purple vest and tie and purple shoes and said that when she returned to the office, she was so dressed up that she received a lot of laughs from her staff. &uot;I think that we should laugh daily during a work day because it makes the day easier,&uot; she said.

Tuxedos were also worn by managers at work to thank employees for helping them to meet or to exceed their goals.

The Suffolk United Way of Hampton Roads has been in existence since 1923. Its accountability includes being trustworthy, accountable and cost effective. One in five people will receive help from the agency with 70 in South Hampton Roads and 15 provide direct services to the Suffolk community although all 70 take referrals from other localities.