Press Release: United Way of Davidson County Names 2023 Benefactor Honoree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2023

Contact:

Kristie Hege

President

United Way of Davidson County

(336) 249-2532

kristiehege@uwdavidson.org

Davidson County, NC – The Board of Directors of United Way of Davidson County and leadership donors across Davidson County will honor Ken Crews at the 2023 Benefactors Gala & Auction on Saturday, September 30 th at RCR Banquet Hall in Welcome. The event will start at 6:00 p.m.

Kristie Hege, President of the United Way of Davidson County stated, “We could not be more excited to honor such a deserving individual. Ken is a generous, community-minded individual. He has been a dedicated volunteer, advocate and donor for the United Way, and it is an honor to recognize him as this year’s 2023 Benefactor Honoree.”

Ken serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Lexington Home Brands, a position he has held for over 11 years. Giving back to the Community is something he has helped engrain into the culture and mindset at Lexington. Ken has enthusiastically led by example, spearheading the Company’s United Way campaigns each year. His ability to organize the workplace campaign, highlight the significant needs in Davidson County and demonstrate United Way’s ability to address those needs has resulted in Lexington’s contributions of over $912,000 during his tenure.

Ken’s service to the United Way of Davidson County started 11 years ago when he joined Lexington Home Brands. Previously he served in various capacities with the United Way of Forsyth County for over 26 years. Ken served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Davidson County for six years.

During that time, he served as board chair (2 terms). Ken currently serves as a Fund Distribution Panel Volunteer, Employee Campaign Coordinator and Foundation Committee Member.

Outside United Way, Ken serves as Lay Speaker for the Western North Carolina Conference for the United Methodist Church (UMC) and Lay Leader, Treasurer and Lector for Crews UMC. In addition, he is an Adjunct Instructor at Duke University and a member of the Twin City Kiwanis Club in Winston-Salem.

PO Box 492 * Lexington, NC 27293 * (336) 249-2532 * www.uwdavidson.org Other previous Community Board involvement includes, Second Harvest Food Bank NWNC (Chair for three terms), Twin City Kiwanis (President), American Red Cross, DataMax Foundation, and Goodwill Industries NWNC. Ken genuinely exemplifies what it means to put others before self and has a passion for helping those in need.

“The United Way of Davidson County and its volunteers genuinely care and connect with people in the Community who have a wide array of needs,” explained Ken. “I have seen first-hand how the United Way of Davidson County works to improve education, strengthen financial stability and make our Community a better place for those in need of help. I am a firm believer in making a difference in our Community, and what better way to make a difference than giving to the United Way of Davidson County.”

When Ken is not working or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Theresa; daughter, Keah and son-in-law, Ben Marsh; son, John and daughter-in-law, Jess Johnston, and his three grandchildren, Finley, Barrett and McClain.

The United Way Benefactor’s Club is composed of people who donate at least $500 to the Annual United Way Campaign. The United Way of Davidson County is in the midst of their annual giving campaign that will help fund local human service programs in Davidson County.

Last year, 34,115 people in need received assistance through United Way funded programs. People who wish to become benefactors and attend the upcoming celebration are encouraged to call the United Way office at 336-249-2532.

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About United Way of Davidson County

United Way of Davidson County’s mission is to bring together community resources to Identify and meet the human service needs in Davidson County through responsible leadership. United Way of Davidson County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. For more information, contact Kristie Hege, President, at (336) 249-2532 or kristiehege@uwdavidson.org.