Football legend Bill Curry helps United Way kickoff campaign

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The United Way of Central Georgia kicked off its year of giving in front of a record crowd Thursday.

More than 400 people sat inside Hawkins Arena at Mercer and listened to the impact United Way has made on Middle Georgia. Bill Curry, a Superbowl champion and former college football coach, was the guest speaker. Before he took the stage, the United Way of Central Georgia announced its annual fundraising goal of $5 million.

“Giving without expecting anything in return, that’s what charity ought to be,” Curry said. “Lives are changed because of the graciousness of the giving, not just the gift itself but the way its given.”

Curry told stories that encourage teamwork, using examples of snapping the ball to Bart Starr and playing under Vince Lombardi, both in the Hall of Fame.

President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, George McCanless took the stage before Curry. He talked about the successes of charity and says last years campaign of improving literacy in students was a big success.

More than 1,000 Bibb County students were tutored and the percentage of Bibb County third graders reading on grade level went from 55 percent to 65 percent in one year.

“It is great feedback and momentum when you can point and show that the children that are in these programs, this really works,” McCanless said.

One elementary school student took the podium and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and another other read a personal note of thanks to the crowd – both received loud ovations.

This was the 95th United Way of Central Georgia kickoff ceremony.

“Today’s been an amazing day, McCanless said. “It does give you that felling that we are all coming together to help those that can’t always help themselves.”