Selma’s United Way held its annual banquet last night at the St. James Hotel to honor committee members and local businesses that have contributed to its annual fund-raising campaign over the past year.

Kim Cogle, former campaign chairmen for the organization, said she was grateful to everyone who contributed their time and money to support United Way.

Jeff Cothran, executive director of United Way, gave certificates of appreciation to local businesses who contributed.

International Paper set a record for employee contributions to United Way during 2002, contributing nearly $10,000. IP then matched that amount by 60 percent.

Vaughan Regional Medical Center also recently donated a new building to the organization, which is located off of Dallas Avenue.

Committee members still worry about the future.

Allen Reeves, the new chairmen for the organization, said he worries about the economy.

There are currently 1,400 community-based United Way organizations across the country.

Their main goal is to focus on the most important needs of a community. The organization tries to build partnerships and leverage resources to make a difference.

Each United Way is governed by a board of volunteers. These local residents invest in non-profit, tax-exempt charity organizations that benefit their communities.