More than 100 supporters gathered for the United Way of Southeast Missouri's annual luncheon Thursday afternoon at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

This year's theme was "Turning Compassion Into Action."

Capt. Ronnie Amick of the Salvation Army spoke to the crowd about how to find and make the most of opportunities to turn compassion into action. Many people may have an interest in volunteering to improve their community and their neighborhoods but may not know where to begin, he said.

"Turning compassion into action requires listening," Amick said. "We have to listen to our neighbors and hear what their needs are, not just assume we know."

Meaningful change comes from befriending the wounded and helping the hopeless achieve lasting improvement, not just "Band-Aid" fixes, he added.

The United Way is able to make significant improvements for all kinds of groups through the donations of time and money by individuals, businesses and partners who help provide services, said Donna Denson, vice president of the United Way board of directors and advertising director at the Southeast Missourian.

While the luncheon was a time to celebrate the contributions of all supporters from the past year, specific recognition was given to those who went "above and beyond."

The Spirit of Giving Award was presented to Jay Wolz.

Mike Smythe, who presented the awards, said Wolz joined the United Way board in 2007 and has been dedicated to furthering the agency's mission through volunteer efforts and work with other community organizations.

Montgomery Bank was given the Spirit of Community Award.

The company has been involved with the United Way for "many, many years," Smythe said, and has raised $161,000 since 2005.

The partner honored with the Spirit of Caring Award this year was the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Smythe particularly noted the dedication of Sharon Anderson and her work in the library's youth services division.

The library offers story times, reading programs and other events, in which 16,000 children participated last year.

The library also works with the United Way in its Read to Succeed program.

Overall, each individual and business that participated in the United Way's fundraising campaign helped raise nearly $950,000.

That's about 95 percent of the organization's $1 million fundraising goal, Denson said.

That money helped the organization serve 21,000 people last year.

Nearly $250,000 was raised by 950 people who participated in the Step Up Challenge, meaning they increased their level of contributions or began donating to the United Way for the first time last year.

Denson also took a moment to recognize the efforts of longtime executive director Nancy Jernigan, who she noted was a strong advocate of compassion and action throughout her 20 years at the United Way.

Jernigan left the organization earlier this month.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.