ABOUT US

History of Gentry United Way

Early in 1988, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, a group of local business people were discussing the amount of requests and the amount of money each of them were donating locally each year. All agreed that it was getting harder to know who to give to and how much to give. The idea of forming a group and pooling our resources was discussed and all agreed the idea had some merit. A committee was chosen and given the task of researching the United Way. Within a few months, The United Way of Gentry had received legal status, the Board of Directors had been chosen, the by-laws written and the first ever campaign had been finalized. In the last 32 years, over $2,300,000 has been raised and distributed to over 52 local non-profit agencies that serve people in the Gentry School District. Eighty different people have served terms on the Board of Directors.

Statement of Purpose

The United Way of Gentry, Inc. will conduct an annual fund raising drive for the purpose of canvassing the Gentry area communities for contributions to support local non-profit organizations that meet the criteria established by the Gentry United Way Board of Directors. The area shall be given the opportunity to support the drive yearly, and funds raised will be distributed primarily in the Gentry School District area. The Board is charged with the responsibility of disbursing the funds collected.

Board of Directors

Janie Parks                                                 
Director / President                                                              

Josh Coones
United Way Officer
McKee Foods

Gayla Wilmoth
United Way Officer
Retired Gentry Public Schools

Marc Burden
Board Member
Grand Savings Bank

Terrie Metz
Board Member
Gentry Public Schools

Jennifer Hughes
Board Member
McKee Foods

Kevin Johnston
Board Member
Mayor - City of Gentry

Burt Crume
Board Member
Retired

Richie Froman
Board Member
Arvest Bank