Co-chairs of the 2023-24 United Way of the Pennyrile Campaign, Blues Brothers Cody Noffsinger and Chris Jung promised that if the Christian, Trigg, Todd, and Caldwell communities bound together to surpass a goal of $700,000, they would recreate the “Soul Man” synchrony — made famous by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
The pair had to deliver during Tuesday night’s celebration and awards presentation at The Bruce, as “the mission from Todd” rallied for more than $735,000.
It’s just the eighth time since 2002 the pacesetter was met, and it’s the largest given by public and private donors since 2018.
Through various events, including Jung’s relocation to New Mexico with wife, Brooke, the duo made more than 30 public appearances as Jake and Elwood — channeling a fun vibe from the golden days of Saturday Night Live.
The annual “People Helping People” Awards are the most coveted of trophies, and are doled out to small, medium and large businesses, as well an overall company, with the largest successes.
Through one of its largest years ever, Noffsinger noted H&R Agri-Power came through with more than $69,000.
Hunt, meanwhile, tried to temper his emotions while talking about his team.
Pennyrile Rural Electric took the large company nod behind $50,161 — a 74% increase from 2022-23, with more than $26,000 coming from employees, $6,500 from a corporate match, and a boost from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Up 13.3% from last year, HWEA earned the medium title behind $42,500 — all from employees.
A $1,569 drive from employees, along with a $1,030 corporate match, pushed Farm Credit Mid-America into the winner’s circle for small.
For the second year in a row, Regional Impact Awards were given to companies outside of Christian County that help promote overall growth of the campaign. In Caldwell County, this went to the Princeton branch of Planters Bank. In Todd County, this went to Novelis — their first year in the program. And in Trigg County, this went to Bank of Cadiz & Trust Company.
Tiffany Turner Jenkins, with the St. Luke Free Clinic, nearly wept — as she announced the retired Annie Bingham as the recipient of the beloved Beverly Whitfield Award.
Dan Kemp, meanwhile, revealed United Southern Bank’s Martha Argotte as the recipient of the J. William Flowers Award — a tradition honored since 1982.
Argotte, who was also announced as the 2024-25 campaign chair, cried as she came to the stage.
Interlaced with all of the campaign’s divisions, more than 360 individuals and couples gave a combined $316,000 through the Latham Society.
Within each division, Spirit Awards go to organizations that see the most donor increase from the previous year, while the Chairman’s Award goes to the top donor.
The Commercial Division totaled more than $180,000, with Fortera Credit Union’s 170% increase earning the Spirit, and H&R Agri-Power tagging the Chairman’s note.
The Education Division saw marked increases across the Christian County Public Schools District, raising more than $28,000 behind a Spirit effort from Indian Hills Elementary (110% increase, $1,950 total), and a Chairman’s tip from Hopkinsville Community College.
In the Government Division, the Christian County Jail took Spirit behind a 223% increase and collection of more than $7,400. HWEA’s efforts earned the Chairman’s check mark, and a total north of $134,000 was a 4-to-5% increase from last year.
The Industrial Division tallied more than $193,000, as Pennyrile Electric charged for the Chairman’s, while a 16.5% increase helped Siemer Milling to the Spirit.
A record effort in the Residential Division came from 91 individuals donating more than $97,000. Kemp and Lana Bastin noted increased promises from citizens in Trigg and Todd counties, and that a push in Caldwell County is coming in 2024-25.
The Professional Division effort combined for more than $97,000, with Jennie Stuart Health earning Chairman’s praise on more than $37,800, and Spirit pointed at Trace Industries on a 98% increase.
For 100% Employee Giving: Aaron McNeil House, Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Christian County Emergency Management, Christian County Literacy Council, Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile, Hopkinsville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hopkinsville Electric Systems/EnergyNet, Hopkinsville Solid Waste, South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council and St. Luke Free Clinic.
The United Way of the Pennyrile Annual Campaign assists 18 partner non-profit agencies capable of lifting Christian, Trigg, Caldwell and Todd counties.
