Lunch honors United Way supporters

On the heels of the first visit to Utah by the national chief executive officer of the United Way of America, more than 700 people gathered this week to pay tribute to supporters who make the local program successful.

The annual Compassionate Leaders Awards luncheon hosted by the United Way of Salt Lake was held Thursday, the day after the organization's top national leader, Brian A. Gallagher, visited Utah for a regional conference.

More than 200 United Way professionals from 17 Western states met in Park City, including large organizations from Los Angeles and Denver and small branches from rural areas.

"It was a great opportunity for us to showcase the wonderful things we are doing," said Deborah Bayle Nielsen, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Salt Lake.

Nielsen was also on hand at Thursday's luncheon, which marked just the second time the nonprofit recognized top "compassionate" supporters in six categories.

"We think it is so important to tell the community how much we appreciate what they do within their corporations and organizations to support" United Way's charitable efforts, Nielsen said.

• Kem C. Gardner, Gardner Co., Compassionate Leader of the Year. Gardner announced a $1 million gift to the United Way of Salt Lake in October 2004. The community activist served two years as chairman of the board and continues to strengthen the organization through his service on the board.

• Questar Corp., Corporate Partner of the Year. Under the guidance of Keith Rattie, Questar president and chief executive officer, the corporation's campaign goal was to increase employee participation from 30 percent to 50 percent and donation totals by 25 percent. Total donations jumped to 41 percent and employee participation increased to 54 percent. Questar also supports United Way through a television advertising sponsorship.

• Kent Day, Kern River Gas Transmission Co., Employee Campaign Manager of the Year. Day, after Kern River was named Corporate Partner of the Year last year, took on the task of managing a diverse campaign committee that tapped employees at all levels. The result was an overall donation increase of 13 percent.