United Way of Pettis County Celebrates Successful Fundraising Campaign

United Way of Pettis County celebrated a very successful campaign with a luncheon and awards ceremony held Wednesday at First United Methodist Church on Thompson Boulevard.

The event was held after severe storms moved through the area earlier that morning, making the event a safe one for all 90-plus people who attended.

“What’s great about this event is everybody coming together every year,” commented United Way Executive Director Rachelle Simon. “It’s our annual meeting and luncheon. So we had funded partners, businesses, non-profits, donor partners  and other organizations in attendance. We got to give some awards away, so it was a great day.”

One of those awards went to Nathon Gaudreau, district sales manager at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co., who was named United Way Volunteer of the Year.

“Nathon has been on our Day of Action Committee for a number of years, he’s just a gem of a human, he’s so dedicated and so committed. He cares a lot about helping neighbors. He has a real heart for people. And I see that, and I just appreciate him so much,” Simon said after the luncheon.

Gaudreau, who has worked for Coca-Cola for well over five years now, said that loves his job, which allows him to “get out and do things for the community. And that’s been my major focus for the last four-and-a-half years,” Gaudreau told KSIS.

He noted that this will be the third year in a row that Gaudreau has served on the Day of Action Committee, helping to plan the event, which is scheduled for June 21 at Housel Park.

“A lot of planning goes into it, obviously. We start at the beginning of the year and we just roll with it, and I help everywhere that I can,” Gaudreau told KSIS. He received a big, long hug from Simon when she presented the Volunteer Of The Year Award to Gaudreau during the ceremony.

Gaudreau has two girls and one boy at home, ranging in age from 17 to 19. “They keep me busy, along with work and everything else.”

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In addition to his volunteer efforts with United Way, Gaudreau also spends time helping out with the Boys & Girls Club as well. The Club is just one of 17 funded partners involved with the United Way. And Gaudreau also sits on the fund-raising committee for Open Door Service Center as well.

Owens Corning Foamglass insulation and Tyson Foods, Inc., were recognized as the highest giving donors for this most recent campaign. Each company gave more than $25,000. Their certificates were presented by United Way Board President Tonja Hascall.

A total of $186,814.81 was raised as a result of the 2025-25 Live United campaign.

Guest speakers at Wednesday’s event included Magen Hudson, director of Sedalia Salvation Army; Ivory Jamerson, of New Life Community Impact Center, 507 W. 24th; Jake Rigdon, Birthday Blessings; and Elizabeth Green Bothwell Regional Health Center Torch program.

Other donors recognized at the event included 19 "Trailblazers," who donated at least $1500, "Game Changers" who donated at least $500, 15 "Neighbors," and 31 "In-Kind Contributors."

There were seven event sponsors -- Central Bank, Duke Manufacturing, Fastwyre, Heartland Coca-Cola, Mankin Consulting, LLC, ProEnregy and W-H Chevrolet Buick GMC.

There were 37 "Volunteers of Time & Talent."

"Media Supporters" were recognized, including Mike Pettis and Randy Kirby with Townsquare Media, and Faith Bemiss-McKinney with The Sedalia Democrat. 

Upcoming events include a Tyson Truckload Sale on Friday, April 11 at the Thompson Hills Shopping Center, and Day Of Action at Housel Park on June 21. Day of Action begins at 7 a.m., and is expected to conclude by noon.