Ralph Johnson, associate vice president for the Physical Plant, was named the United Way of Northeast Georgia’s 2008 Volunteer of Year at the group’s January meeting.
He was honored for his efforts on the organization’s board of directors including serving on the campaign cabinet, the allocations committee and in particular for chairing the annual Day of Caring event.
“I was completely surprised by the award,” Johnson said. “I didn’t know I was even being considered.”
Johnson said his work with United Way is just one way of trying to do his part and give back to the community. “
I feel like I’ve been blessed to always have a good place to work,” he said. “Others may need assistance. I need to do something for people who might not have had the same opportunities.”
Johnson isn’t the only member of the UGA community donating to the United Way. In fact, at that same meeting UGA was named the highest contributor to the 2008 campaign based on employee donations.
Johnson has been involved with the United Way for the past 11 years. He previously served on the board of directors at the Centre County United Way when he worked at Pennsylvania State University. After coming to UGA in 2002, he began serving on the local board.
Prior to working with United Way organizations he learned the importance of volunteer work during his 24-year career in the Navy by helping with church youth programs and school fundraising. He said he has always looked for an opportunity to help wherever he has lived.
His biggest project with the local United Way is chairing the annual Day of Caring, which kicks off the United Way’s charitable campaign in this region. He coordinates assignment of the volunteer teams to the supported charities for the day’s hands-on projects, making sure the charities’ needs are met. For example, if a charity has requested work on a roof or construction of a shade shelter for patrons, he makes sure the volunteer team has roofing or carpentry skills as appropriate and that the materials are either purchased or donated in time for the projects. The event typically has had around 300-400 volunteers who help with about 15 of the 29 United Way area organizations with 25–30 projects.
UGA participates in the Day of Caring in a few ways: Physical Plant usually has a couple of teams of craftsmen take part; Food Services provides box lunches to the volunteers; and the Athletic Association provides a financial contribution, he said.
After serving on the campaign cabinet for the remainder of the annual fundraising drive, he generally serves on the allocations committee, where he visits supported charities to assess their needs. The committee then puts together funding recommendations for all 29 supported organizations to distribute the campaign funds pledged.
“United Way provides a primary conduit for people to join together in making social services available to those in need through the contributions of many individuals,” Johnson said. “It is the ‘many hands make light work’ concept that amplifies the reach and effect of these programs. Through United Way people can provide support to eight counties to assist in a myriad of services including child development, scouting, youth programs, counseling, support for the mentally and physically challenged, shelter for battered women, food programs and care for the aging.”
FACTS
Ralph Johnson
Associate Vice President for the Physical Plant
B.S., Electrical Engineering,Pennsylvania State University, 1973
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1980
At UGA: 7 years