The United Way of Prince Edward County is well on its way toward reaching its fundraising goal of $55,000, and Centra Southside Community Hospital is a big part of that success.

The hospital has had 93 individuals give a total of $8,551.70 – translating to an average gift of $92 per person, said Kerry Mossler, director of marketing for the Centra Southside Community Hospital. A news release by United Way noted that the level of contribution prompted Stuart F. Whetsell, consultant with Learning & Organizational Development for Centra Health, to declare, “Great job Southside!”

United Way board members noted they are just as thrilled.

Rucker Snead, president of the all-volunteer local board, noted the hospital deserves a “pat on the back” for “the good job the Centra employees have done in supporting the United Way.”

The United Way has a goal of raising $55,000 this year to help support 20 organizations in our community.

Last November, Centra sponsored a Stew & Brew Fundraiser hosted by the United Way and Third Street Brewing.

Not to mention an October bake sale complete with “Halloween treats, and a special table with pink confections to mark breast cancer awareness month.”

“Have breakfast with us and support your local United Way,” noted the flyer announcing the event.

The month also saw a wine tasting at the Virginia Wine Tasting Cellar in downtown Farmville.

Indeed, the bake sale and wine tasting helped kick off the United Way’s fundraising efforts for the fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the United Way has sent out letters of solicitation to potential contributors, and continues to make plans for its major fundraiser the Great Farmville Duck Derby, to be held 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Riverside Park as part of the Heart of Virginia Festival. The group hopes to make the Great Farmville Duck Derby its signature event.

Plans call for 5,000 ducks to be sold. The owner of the first place duck will receive $1,000, the owner of the second place duck will receive $500, and the owner of the third place duck will receive $250.

Ducks can be adopted through the United Way, Citizens Bank in Farmville, The Fishin’ Pig, and Uptown Coffee Café. You can also purchase ducks at the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit, engaging people from all walks of life in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories, and among its partners are global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith organizations, as well as educators, labor, health organizations and governments.

The United Way’s partners are: Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES), Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Virginia Free Clinic, Farmville Service Unit Girl Scouts, Farmville Area Boy Scout Service Organization, Madeline’s House/Southside Center for Violence Prevention, Prince Edward County 4-H Clubs, Prince Edward/Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA), Scope/Meals on Wheels, Southside Virginia Family YMCA, Southside Pregnancy Center, Southside SPCA, Southside Training, Employment and Placement Services, Inc. (STEPS), Virginia Legal Aid Society, Camp Loud & Clear, Heartland Horse Heroes, Riding Star 4-H equestrian club, Jolly Glee Seniors, Piedmont Senior Resources, and the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.