United Way Celebrates Golden Corral and RTI International for Significant Philanthropic Efforts in the Greater Triangle
United Way of the Greater Triangle announced today that Golden Corral Corporation and RTI International have been awarded the 2019 Spirit of North Carolina Award, an annual honor presented by United Way of North Carolina that recognizes organizations that have gone above and beyond in fundraising to support long-term solutions in their communities. The awards were presented to the two companies at the Spirit of North Carolina Awards Luncheon on February 19.
Beyond celebrating the success of their fundraising efforts, the winners of the Spirit of North Carolina Awards were selected by a panel of judges to recognize their corporate philanthropic cultures that promote volunteering and collaboration. Golden Corral received its award in the Business Campaign category while RTI International’s was awarded in the Not-For-Profit category. Together, the two companies have raised more than $11M over the years to support United Way of the Greater Triangle’s mission.
“It is a great honor to work hand-in-hand with companies that are passionate about creating communities where everyone can thrive,” said Eric Guckian, President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Triangle. “We are grateful to have Golden Corral and RTI International as key partners in our mission to eradicate poverty and increase social mobility in the Greater Triangle.”
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Golden Corral, which was founded in North Carolina in 1973, has a deeply rooted and long-standing culture of philanthropy. They were celebrated this year for engaging nearly 100% of their employees in the United Way campaign. Outside of their decades-long support of United Way of the Greater Triangle’s mission, the company is also known for its commitment to serving U.S. military members, providing life-changing experiences to the children of wounded, injured, ill, and fallen soldiers, and even towards their own employees through an internal fund that offers financial assistance to those experiencing temporary financial hardship.
“We value our longstanding partnership with United Way,” said Lance Trenary, President and CEO of Golden Corral. “On behalf of all of our co-workers in the Triangle, I want to thank you for this special recognition. We are humbled and appreciative. I also want to thank the United Way for the incredible work you do to support our community in so many ways.”
As an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition, RTI International employees are inherently involved in addressing the world’s most critical problems through research that helps to identify evidence-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. With headquarters in Research Triangle Park, RTI International has also committed to serving local communities in need, in partnership with United Way, for more than 20 years. Just this year, RTI International leadership committed to an increase in the corporate matching gift after learning more about local issues, reinforcing their belief in the solutions that United Way is implementing.
“RTI’s mission to improve the human condition begins at home, in the communities in which we live and work. By partnering with United Way of the Greater Triangle, we support real, positive, and lasting change for our friends and neighbors in need – change that will help tackle big issues like access to food and education for children, basic needs for individuals and families, financial
insecurity and homelessness, and so much more,” said Wayne Holden, President and CEO of RTI International. “We’re proud to stand alongside United Way of the Greater Triangle and all its partner organizations to make a real difference in our communities.”
For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.
