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A longtime employee with Christus Trinity Mother Frances was named the winner of a brand-new Volkswagen Jetta as part of the 2023 United Way of Smith County campaign.

And he had no idea it was coming.

“I was told to come to this meeting … and was sitting there listening to all the awards being won and … I didn’t even know this was gonna happen,” said Kelly White, the Jetta’s new owner and United Way donor. “Next thing I know, they said they were going to announce the winner of the car … and my name is being read out and my heart is skipping four beats.”

The announcement was made at an awards ceremony for Nurses Appreciation Week.

“You could tell by the reaction of the people that he’s well-thought of here and that people like him and that he’s deserving,” said John Gaston, CEO of United Way of Smith County. “That’s just icing on the cake when you award the vehicle to somebody that’s deserving. That’s what makes it so fun and heartwarming.”

After walking out to see his new ride, White unlocked the vehicle with his new keys and sat behind the wheel checking out all the vehicle’s features.

“It’s got all this computer stuff in it and I guess I’ll have to figure all that out,” White said with a big smile.

White was one of 1,300 Tyler-area employees who qualified for a chance to win the vehicle because of their donations to the 2023 United Way of Smith County campaign.

Employees from dozens of local partner companies in Smith County qualified to win the car by pledging at least $5 per week from their paycheck to go toward the campaign. Those who pledged at least $7 per week received two entries, and a pledge of at least $9 per week earned donors three entries.

Christus contributed more than $100,000 to the 2023 campaign.

“Christus is a long-standing campaign supporter and it’s nice to have somebody from their organization who’s deserving of it,” Gaston said.

During the United Way of Smith County’s 2023 campaign, more than 1,300 Tyler-area employees from area companies pledged or donated at least $260 to United Way, earning an entry to win a brand-new Volkswagen Jetta, courtesy of Patterson Tyler Motors.

White, who has worked for Christus for 17 years, said he’s donated every year through his paycheck as a way to give back to the community.

“When I took care of oncology patients, they meant a lot to me,” he said. “And working for Christus … they taught me a lot of different things and it’s my way of giving back to the community because they’ve given me so much.”

This marks the seventh year Patterson Tyler Motors has donated a vehicle to the annual United Way campaign.

“We’re proud of our partnership with United Way and enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Kirk Wallace, owner of Patterson Tyler Motors. “The programs funded by United Way donations make an impact on countless lives and I am glad we’re able to support that effort.”

Donations to the United Way of Smith County provide funding for programs of 27 local nonprofits. Last year marked the organization’s 83rd year to serve as the community chest fund for Tyler/Smith County. During that history, the organization has put more than $75 million back into the community through local nonprofit programs that collectively address some of the biggest issues facing Smith County residents.

“It’s always nice at the end of the campaign season to award a significant contributor to the United Way a really nice gift that we get through the generosity of Patterson Auto Group,” Gaston said.

To learn more, visit www.uwsmithcounty.org.

— Scott can be reached at jscott@tylerpaper.com