Norman Chapman, left, received the Morgan Award at the United Way gala. United Way of the Piedmont celebrated 75 years of service on Saturday, Jan. 28 with a gala. More than 350 people attended.

“It was a wonderful event for the Spartanburg community. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization called the United Way of the Piedmont,” said United Way of the Piedmont Board Member Russell Booker.

In 1936, the Spartanburg United Campaign called upon Spartanburg to raise $41,805 to fund eight agencies. Those eight agencies represented a myriad of services, from soup lines to housing. Some of those original eight agencies are still serving the community, but the scope of the programs and number of people touched has flourished.

United Way of the Piedmont was also presented with a Resolution from the United Way Association of South Carolina for its valued and dedicated service to Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. Since its beginning, United Way of the Piedmont has invested more than $122 million of funding to improve the most critical needs of the communities it serves.

Also during the evening, Norman Chapman, a Spartanburg native, was presented with United Way of the Piedmont’s most prestigious award at the gala. The General Daniel Morgan Award has been presented annually since 1986 to a volunteer for their civic contribution that demonstrates a spirit of caring for the community. “Norman is one of my personal heroes. His commitment to community and his desire to serve sets an impressive example for his peers,” shares President and CEO Chris Steed.

Chapman is the 25th recipient of the Morgan Award.

“Norman’s volunteer service to local organizations is impressive. He has held volunteer leadership positions with Wofford College, Clemson University, First Presbyterian Church, Communities in Schools, Salvation Army, Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Partnership, and the Nurse Family Partnership. His service to the community with United Way of the Piedmont spans nearly 14 years,” said United Way of the Piedmont’s Board Chair Sue Schneider.

United Way of the Piedmont is a community based nonprofit organization that seeks to engage local citizens in Giving, Advocacy and Volunteerism. United Way of the Piedmont is governed by a local board of directors and serves Spartanburg, Cherokee & Union Counties. For more information, please visit www.uwpiedmont.org