Geico breaks record for local United Way [The Macon Telegraph, Ga.]

Feb. 02--Geico and its employees have pledged $939,030 for United Way of Central Georgia, the largest amount in its 90-year history. The amount, a 9 percent increase over last year, was announced Wednesday at a news conference held at the Geico office in Macon.

Geico was once again named United Way's top contributor for Middle Georgia, according to a news release.

"Geico did an incredible job this year," 2011 United Way Campaign Chairman Sam Macfie said in the release. "They succeeded in doing what no other company in Middle Georgia has done before them, and we applaud them for their record-setting campaign."

Ron Watson, president and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, said he was amazed that during the past 10 years Geico has "gone from raising $432,177 to $939,030. ... They truly are the lifeblood of our campaign, and we can't thank them enough."

Geico employees raised $778,030, which was $80,318 more than they raised in 2010. The company's corporate gift was $161,000 for this year's campaign, compared to $159,000 raised in 2010.

Mary Zarcone, southeastern regional vice president of Geico, thanked all employees for their support and campaign coordinators Kim Price, Claudia Shephard and Amy Harp for their leadership.

Geico is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.

United Way of Central Georgia serves 14 Middle Georgia counties and helps more than 100,000 people annually. The campaign supports 58 programs of 34 partner agencies.

To contact writer Linda S. Morris, call 744-4223.

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