United Way of Southeast MS receives generous fund

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Greater PineBelt Community foundation donated $4,000 to United Way of Southeast Mississippi. The fund was established under the Bob James United Way Endowment Fund.

Ms. Gwen James started the fund in memory her husband, Bob, who had a passion for the work of the local United Way.

James' son David Fortenberry said, "It is a great legacy for my dad and our whole family. We are very proud of his service to United Way."

Since 2001 the endowment has exceed over $100,000 and will continue to grow to help United Way's mission. Theresa Erickson with the Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation said, "It is a forever gift, as it is invested we give out 4%."

Erickson added, "That 4% will help on the years where the market may be down, or it helps in the years when the market may be up and it grows that fund."

Tracie Fowler with United Way said the money will help the organization's mission in helping the community. "This money is designated for administrative costs" Fowler said.

She added, "It allows us to take more of the money that people donate to us and push it down to the other initiatives with the community and with our partnering agencies."

To learn more about The Greater PineBelt Community foundation you can click here.