United Way names Smartt Award winners

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  • Receiving Jack and Ann Smartt Awards at Tuesday’s Scurry County United Way celebration luncheon were (l-r) Keith Collier, Nolan Von Roeder (accepting for Doris Blackard) and Mike Levens.
    Receiving Jack and Ann Smartt Awards at Tuesday’s Scurry County United Way celebration luncheon were (l-r) Keith Collier, Nolan Von Roeder (accepting for Doris Blackard) and Mike Levens.
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Scurry County United Way officials handed out money — and thanks — at their annual celebration luncheon Tuesday morning.

In particular, three area residents were singled out for thanks for their “exemplary” efforts in helping the annual campaign.

Doris Blackard, Keith Collier and Mike Levens received the agency’s Jack and Ann Smartt Award, presented annually to people who “continue to have a positive influence on the community,” United Way President Kellye Starnes said.

“Yearly, we are able to present Jack (and Ann) Smartt awards to an individual, couple, or entity who exemplifies the qualities demonstrated by Mr. Smartt,” Starnes said. “Jack Smartt loved Snyder and was very involved in the community and his wife, Ann, continues his legacy by having awards presented to people who continue to have a positive influence on this community.”

In her “quiet, yet influential, manner,” Blackard generously donates to United Way and several community organizations, Starnes said. 

Collier was recognized for his matching donations to the United Way drive, while Levens was honored for being “whole-heartedly focused on what is best for young people,” she said.

This year’s United Way campaign raised $91,453, with an additional $16,088 coming from an anonymous donor. Scurry County United Way board members drew, $12,457 from reserve funds to reach the drive’s goal of $120,000.

Tuesday, campaign officials distributed $100,000 to representatives of the eight partner agencies (agency’s allotment in parentheses) — Scurry County Community Services ($32,300), Gateway Family Services ($20,800), West Texas Children’s Advocacy Center ($5,800), Buffalo Trail Boy Scouts ($5000), Texas-Oklahoma Plains Girl Scouts ($4,600), Cancer Services Network ($4,200), Scurry County Food Cupboard ($4,200) and the Snyder Volunteer Fire Department ($2,100).

In addition, $21,000 was allocated to the Scurry County United Way’s operating fund, Starnes said.

The remaining money collected during this year’s campaign will be distributed in September, officials said.