Kurt Richardson believes if he has something that someone else needs then he should do what he can to help. It’s a principle that has served him well.
Richardson, who lives in the Statesville area, is a regular contributor to the Rowan County United Way.
Richardson’s name was one of three drawn during the first campaign report meeting. The names chosen are placed in the running to win a car. Two other names chosen were Jim Horton of Freightliner and Mark Childers of Piedmont Natural Gas.
Anyone who donates at least $52 to the campaign is placed in the running to win a car.
At the end of the campaign there will be 12 finalists who will be in the running to win a car from one of four automotive dealers — Ben Mynatt Nissan, Gerry Wood Auto Group, Cloninger Ford, Toyota, Scion and Team Chevrolet.
Richardson said he had no thought that his name would be selected saying sometimes he and winning contests and such don’t mix.
“Sometimes a blind squirrel gets a nut,” Richardson joked.
He said he would love to win a car. He has a Ford pickup that is a work vehicle.
“For me to win a car it would be a blessing,” he said.
He’s been an employee at Freightliner going on 19 years and is thankful for a job.
“I’m a Christian. I thank the Lord for a good job. I get up every morning and thank God I have a job to go to,” Richardson said.
He described himself as a giving person who would help someone in need.
“I’ve been in a situation when I’ve needed a hand from somebody and it’s always good to give if you can,” he said.
Richardson said he’ll leave it up to God’s will whether he will win the car or not.
“I do believe everything is in his will,” he said.
Mark Childers said he’s been a regular United Way contributor for 18 years.
“It was just exciting that I would have the opportunity to possibly win a car,” he said.
Childers who works at Piedmont Natural Gas said he could definitely use a car. He’s currently driving a 22-year-old GMC truck.
The Rowan County native said his company is a huge supporter of the United Way and so is he.
“I guess I take the philosophy that you try to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. There is definitely a need for agencies to be supported by the United Way,” he said.
Childers thinks of others when he’s donating to the United Way campaign, he said, because if any of his friends or family were in need of “services that some of these agencies provide then I would want them to be there.”
The first campaign totals show the money raised so far is $455,103 or 25 percent of the campaign goal. The money raised through the campaign supports 15 agencies throughout the county.
Attempts to reach Horton were unsuccessful.
If you are a retiree or someone who has not been approached about the United Way campaign, but would like to contribute, contact the Rowan County United Way at 704-633-1802.