Dow employees give to United Way
Sonny Long •Originally published October 25, 2012 at 6:27 p.m., updated October 25, 2012 at 11:05 p.m.
Clifford Grimes, executive director of the Victoria County United Way, was a judge in the recent Dow chili cook-off that raised funds for his organization, as well as the Calhoun County United Way.
Cook-offs and cash meant a nice payday recently for two area United Way agencies.
Dow Seadrift employees came together earlier this month for their annual chili cook-off to benefit the United Way in Victoria and Calhoun counties.
In the end, more than $24,000 was raised through their efforts.
In addition to those funds, Dow's corporate contribution is $30,000, and individual employee contributions will be tallied early next month, said Trish Thompson, public affairs manager.
"We expect the final campaign total to be well over $100,000," said Thompson.
Several United Way member agencies were also on hand with informational booths.
In addition to cook-offs in chili, beans, fajitas, brisket and ribs, showmanship awards were handed out.
Winning teams included Rexco, chili; Klean Corp International, beans; Dow Environment, Health and Safety, fajitas; Rexco, brisket and ribs.
For the fourth year in a row NAFSA, the Dow Seadrift Safety team, took top showmanship honors.
Money was also raised through auctions, raffles and a dunking booth.
Employees nominated plant leaders through monetary donations to sit in the dunking booth, then paid for the opportunity to toss balls and send their bosses into the water.
"Dow Seadrift does this every year, and it has grown and gotten more exciting every year," said Carolyn Adrian, executive director of the Calhoun County United Way. "It's a day all of these employees can come and relax and have a good time. And it's all done to benefit United Way, and you can't get better than that."
HOW TO HELP
To donate, volunteer or to find out more information about the Victoria County United Way or the Calhoun County United Way, contact the agencies. 2012 marks the 65th year of the United Way in Victoria County and the 55th year in Calhoun County.
Victoria County United Way
4407 Lilac, Suite B
Victoria, TX 77901
361-578-3561
Calhoun County United Way
311 N. Virginia St.
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
361-552-3630