Rowan Vocational Opportunities

SALISBURY — Consumers at Rowan Vocational Opportunities Inc. are smiling thanks to the generous gifts they received from the Carolina Panthers and Rowan County United Way.

While the Panthers are excited about their selections in the 2018 National Football League draft, team representatives still took time out of their busy schedules to donate apparel and other items to United Way agencies throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

Since 1973, the NFL and United Way have been the longest-running partnership between a major sports league and a nonprofit organization. Over the past four decades, thousands of NFL players, coaches, owners and staff members have volunteered their time and made financial and in-kind donations to United Way.

“We are truly gratified that the Carolina Panthers organization is partnering with the United Way to assist with issues that pertain to health, education, employment and programs to benefit youth and the critical needs in our community,” said Jackie Harris, director of development and marketing for Rowan County United Way.

The agency supports programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life in this area. In 2017, more than 70,000 individuals and families benefited from some form of assistance from the local United Way.

“We certainly appreciate this kind gesture from the Panthers organization, and we are thankful for the many donors, volunteers and supporters who graciously give their time, money and commitment to help make Rowan County a better place to live,” said Gary Yelton, executive director of Rowan Vocational Opportunities.

Vocational Opportunities consumers and staff have been involved in promotions, fundraising and volunteering to work on the annual campaign. The staff has had 100 percent participation in fundraising efforts over the past five years. They have also collaborated with other agencies and received a Distinguished Agency Award in 2017.

Rowan Vocational Opportunities is one of 16 Rowan County United Way agencies.