Keith Martin, a 35-year employeeof CB&I, won a brand new car as part of the United Way’s 2016 fundraising campaign. He was surprised at his office by co-workers, Auto Nation employees and United Way board members on Friday April 21, 2016. (Cory McCoy/Staff)

One lucky man ended his workweek with a new car, thanks to the United Way of Smith County and Auto Nation Hyundai.

The groups joined CB&I employees to help surprise their co-worker Keith Martin Friday morning.

“I had no idea what was going on. I kind of was in shock; you don’t expect to win a new car,” Martin said. “It’s very nice. I’ve not won a whole lot in my life, so this was a big one.”

Martin is a 35-year employee of CB&I and was entered into the drawing for a new car, along with others across Smith County who pledged to give at least $5 a week to the United Way through payroll deductions coordinated by their employers.

Alex Collins, development director of the United Way of Smith County, said more than 8,300 people in Smith County donated to the United Way campaign to help area nonprofit agencies last year. 

“Those gifts of $5 per week really add up and collectively will touch nearly 60,000 people this year,” Collins said. 

Martin said the initiative at CB&I is company-wide, allowing some 40,000 employees from all over the country to give back.

“We’ve got a great company here that really supports United Way,” he said. “For every dollar we give, the company gives a dollar. They match our contributions every year. They’re a very caring company.”

This year, the United Way decided to try a different approach to raise money, according to Director of Marketing Reece Anderson.

Gone are the thermometers to track donations and cash goals. Instead the group has decided to focus on growing involvement by 10 percent.

Campaign Mandi Monk-Worthington said the organization is on track to meet its goal. Donations to the United Way stay in Smith County, allowing groups like the Crisis Center and Children’s Advocacy Center, among many others, to continue their own missions.

“It’s just a good way to do outreach for our local community,” Martin said. “You can choose who you want your money to go to. If you want your money to go to the Crisis Center, it won’t be sent off somewhere. It’s right here locally.”

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