AFL Presents $145K to the United Way of the Piedmont

Spartanburg-based AFL, a leading international manufacturer of fiber optic cable, equipment and accessories, presented the United Way of the Piedmont with $145,000. The gift was a direct result of AFL’s annual United Way campaign in which associates learn about United Way’s positive impact on local communities and become a part of that impact by giving back.

Associate giving for this year’s three-week campaign exceeded AFL’s goal of $125,000 and last year’s grand total of $111,000, setting a record for AFL. Themed “Build it Up,” the campaign was geared toward building on last year’s roaring success, and did so with a 22 percent increase in participation and a 24 percent increase in overall associate giving.

“AFL aligns our community initiatives with United Way’s focus areas – that of health, education and financial stability. We believe that in doing so we can make an even greater impact,” said Corie Culp, AFL community relations manager. “Our associates made a substantial impact this year for our communities and we are extremely grateful for their thoughtfulness and efforts.”

From perusing local nonprofit booths at the Agency Fair to dunking Jody Gallagher, CEO and President of AFL, in the dunk tank, associates were given the opportunity to learn about local community needs through a variety of fun and informative events. In addition, this year’s campaign included a dollar-for-dollar match for new donors, which showcased AFL’s commitment to giving back.

United Way is only one element of AFL’s multifaceted Community Outreach Program. The program also includes grants, ACT projects, sponsorships, Take Root (a program to provide trees to communities), disaster relief and a yearly Week of Service.