The compassion, kindness and good will of hundreds of Motiva Norco Refining employees has shown through, as many reached deep into their pockets to raise money for the United Way (UW) of St. Charles…to the tune of
$85,535.08.The 2001 UW Campaign set a new record as the most successful campaign in the history of the Norco site. "One thing this campaign has proven once again, is that Norco isn’t just a ‘location’ – it is a ‘family’ of very caring, compassionate and generous people," said Myra Simoneaux, organizer of this year’s United Way campaign. "You can always count on the ‘goodness’ of the people that make Norco Refinery such a very special place to work!"
According to Dan McNeill, 2001 UW Administrator, the September 11th attacks on Washington, D.C. and New York City concerned him that this year’s campaign wouldn’t be "business as usual". "The tragedy of that day could cause us to change our focus and to look for outlets other than the United Way to express our desire to do something. In that scenario our giving could have been significantly less than in prior years," stated McNeill. "I was pleased, but not totally surprised, when Norco people responded with record giving to the United Way this year. September 11th was part of that response."
"I was remarkably impressed and surprised at the results due to the current events in New York City. Everyone has already given so much, but it goes to show you that people around here have good hearts and that’s what it takes to make a campaign like this successful," said John Hebert, UW Committee Member.
The 2001 United Way Committee, which includes McNeill, Simoneaux and Hebert, as well as Mike Abbate, Oren Fryoux, Linda Gaudin, Mark Grajkowski, Omo Oubre, Malcolm Troxclair and Kimberly Windon, had a great deal to do with the overwhelming success of this campaign.
"I believe the efforts of the Campaign Committee was the other significant factor in this year’s campaign. Nothing great happens without enthusiasm," explained McNeill. "Myra’s leadership filled all the needs of the campaign and it was anchored in enthusiasm. Those of us who worked around her could not help but be motivated by that enthusiasm."
According to Hebert, it was the combination of Simoneaux and McNeill that ensured success. "They’re a good combination. Myra was so determined to meet that goal and she put out note after note and comprehensively stayed after it. Dan worked with management to help get their support for the campaign," explained Hebert.
In conjunction with the UW Committee, the UW Solicitors had the task of making one-on-one contact with all the potential donors. "The effort of the solicitors was also the best ever. Myra coached diligently to assure that personal contact was the focus of this year’s solicitation. More solicitors met face-to-face with employees than ever before," said McNeill. "Per capita giving was at an all time high due in large part to the efforts of the solicitors. Some were new to the task. They raised the level of performance to new heights."
The 2001 UW Solicitors McNeill is referring to are Adrian Ford, Bonnie Louque, Carolyn Roberts, Chester Pleasant, Chrissy Nicholas, Connie Morgan, Dean Troxler, Deidra Johnson, Donna Cascio, Faye Labiche, Gina Simon, Glenn Pfister, Jack Duhe, Jill Hills, Jill Morales, John Rome, Katrina Levron, Kevin Kern, Lisa Boe, Maria Dipp, Marie Oswald, Mary Aubert, Michael Adams, Michael Keegan, Nelson Butler, Paula Petit, Phillip Pierce, Ronald Jacob, Rosebut Triggs, Russel Thomas, Sharon Zeno, Steven Wilson, Theron Dufrene, Travis Chiasson and William Leboeuf.
Additionally, it was the "spirit of the Norco leadership" that helped to push this campaign over the top by taking an active part in the campaign, starting with this year’s kickoff event. Allen Kirkley and other RLT members strapped on aprons and fired up the grills for this year’s cause. They also served up the meals in an effort to rally their employees. Simoneaux expressed gratitude for their "tremendous support in endorsing this campaign and encouraging employees to participate."
For more information, contact Kimberly Windon at 504-465-6759.
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