It was smiles all round at the United Way of the Fraser Valley’s feel-good presentation on March 20 of $125,000 in grants to 14 worthy non-profit agencies from the region.

UWFV executive director Wayne Green presented cheques in the Mission Chamber of Commerce building to the grateful recipients, who run their social development programs in the communities of Aldergrove, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and up to Boston Bar.

Although Green was there to disperse cheques, the event was “really about the people who do the work. We wouldn’t be anything without you,” Green told the gathering.

The umbrella agency collects donations from Fraser Valley residents and employees, which are then turned over to its 27 member groups, such as Mission Community Services and Abbotsford Community Services, for essential social service grants. It also distributes monies to other non-member groups – any non-profit who works to address poverty, affordable housing, homelessness and success for young children can apply.

In 2010, the United Way raised $776,799, distributing that to 27 member groups.

The City of Abbotsford, led by United Way booster Mark Taylor, director of parks, recreation and culture, doubled its donations in the past year to $44,000 in 2011. Will they take home the Quantum Leap award at the spirit banquet?

United Way is still short of its 2011 goal of $825,000, but the final total for the year will be revealed at the banquet. Find out more about the United Way at uwfv.bc.ca.

The United Way has its 2011 Spirit Awards banquet on March 29, starting at 5 p.m., at Garden Park Tower, 2825 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford. It’s a 1950s sock hop theme, so dress accordingly.

For tickets contact Kelly at 604-852-1234 or kelly@uwfv.bc.ca.

– Christina Toth