The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle hosted a celebratory dinner on Tuesday evening as the agency recognized donors and volunteers who helped raise approximately $748,000 in the annual campaign. Of the total, more than $282,000 non-designated dollars were dispersed to 31 United Way agencies. In addition, more than $253,000 were dollars specifically designated to local agencies.

The events of the evening were all about recognition of those who worked to raise funds during the annual campaign. Tiffany Lawrence, director of resource development and marketing for the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, kicked off the evening by recognizing the top three business donors. At the bronze level was City National Bank whose employees contributed $46,279. Silver recognition went to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races who came in at $57,452. Topping the list with the Gold Award was Bank of Charles Town whose employees committed a resounding $59,489 in this year’s campaign.

Other awards given during the course of the evening included the agency volunteer of the year. Selected by the directors of the Chamber of Commerce in Berkeley, Morgan and Jefferson counties, this year’s recipient was Audrey Morris, executive director of Starting Points Family Resource Center in Morgan County. The award was presented by Jefferson’s Chamber director Heather Morgan McIntyre.

Bree Myers, executive director of For the Kids, By George children’s museum was named campaign volunteer of the year.

Also recognized with the Marvin Yurish Award was Chuck Ellison. Ellison will serve as the 2015 Campaign Chair, taking over from Bank of Charles Town’s Josh Householder who served as the 2014 chair.

Becky Linton, founder of the Christmas Cash for Kids program was honored with the Van Ryzin Award, named in in honor of Lt. Gen. William J. Van Ryzin, who established the United Way of Jefferson County. Linton was not present at the banquet to receive her award.