Coker United Way president

Sherry Brunson
Staff Writer

May 14, 2008 11:03 am

— Tarboro banker Marlou Coker was named the new Edgecombe County United Way president Tuesday.
She will replace Mike Nowell, who was promoted and transferred to Roanoke Rapids by BB&T.
"The board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Marlou," said Chairman Glenn Daughtridge. "She is the only one we felt had the insight for the position. She was campaign chairwoman this year and was division captain a few years back."
Coker, marketing executive for First Carolina State Bank in Tarboro, said she was pleased with the appointment.
"I really would like to see United Way turn around," she said. "I have a passion for the United Way agencies. They do a lot for the community and make it stronger."
Edgcombe County United Way provides funds for 18 agencies.
This has been a difficult year for the struggling agency. Local businesses, who have been strong supporters in the past, have not become involved for various internal reasons.
"We have had a difficulty meeting our goal since the flood of 1999," Daughtridge said. " We have funded agencies since, based on anticipated goals, and used our reserves to make up the difference. Those reserves were used up the third quarter of 2007.
"We want to continue to be a viable fundraiser for agencies in Edgecombe County."
Daughtridge said this year's $160,000 goal was not met.
"We have pledges of $100,241 (63 percent), and there are still small pledges coming in," he said. "We are not expecting any large sums.
"If people become involved with United Way agencies, they will recognize that the need is valid," he added. "If the community sees the validity of the needs, they will supply the needs to support these agencies."
Daughtridge said the board is exploring ways to reorganize and reenergize their efforts.
"We are still looking at several different things," he said. "Our goal is to serve the needs of those agencies supported and funded. The board believes Coker will provide leadership to strengthen our fundraising efforts."
Eighteen agencies receive financial assistance from the Edgecombe County United Way, including the:
American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hospice, My Sister's House, Meals on Wheels of Tarboro, Salvation Army, the Association of Learning Disabled and Handicapped, and the Boys and Girls Club of Nash and Edgecombe counties, Christian Fellowship Homes of Edgecombe and Nash counties, Dunbar Community Development Club, Edgecombe County Senior Citizens Group 2, Princeville Senior Citizens, Tarboro Community Outreach, Walston's Adult Nurturing Center, The Rocky Mount Family YMCA -The Pals, Tri-County Industries adult development activities, and Volunteers Offering Independent Care for the Elderly and (VOICE).