Contributed byUnited Way of the Midlands

W.T. (Bill) Cassels Jr. (l) and W. T. (Tobin) Cassels III

United Way of the Midlands Palmetto Society honored W.T. (Bill) Cassels Jr. and W.T. (Tobin) Cassels III with the 2006 Humanitarian of the Year award at its annual black tie event Thursday, March 1 at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The Cassels family has provided civic and business leadership in the Midlands for three generations. Their business, Southeastern Freight Lines, is a major Midlands employer and one of the 20 largest privately owned companies in S.C. In addition to leading a family- friendly workplace, they have provided support to non- profit, faith- based and educational organizations.

Dozens of organizations have benefited from the Casselses's contributions and hands on support over the decades. The most significant part of all of this is they prefer to contribute quietly- with no naming opportunities taken or plaques on the wall. The only contribution they allowed for association was a challenge grant to United Way of the Midlands used to raise $300,000.

After receiving the award, the Casselses were their usual humble selves. They thanked everyone in attendance and deflected credit for their work by saying that to whom much is given, much is expected.

The Casselses have said they feel they are merely fulfilling their duty to God and their fellow man.

For example, in 57 years of business, Southeastern Freight has never had a layoff. That is something that most companies their size could not match. Bill Cassels has a long history of business and philanthropic awards and distinctions, including Philanthropist of the Year and induction into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame.

He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the American Trucking Association, Member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association and chairman of the YMCA Foundation.

Tobin Cassels has served at United Way since 1996 as chair of the Food, Shelter, Safety and Transportation Community Council, campaign chair, division chair, and board member. In 2005, he was honored with United Way's Alyce Kemp DeWitt Award, which recognizes individual volunteers for their measurable impact.

In the 2005- 2006 campaign, his leadership within his company created a 14.9 percent increase in employee participation. Tobin Cassels's other community commitments include board chair at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and chair of the Capital Campaign for the Cooperative Ministry, a United Way partner agency. He also received the 2002 Outstanding Philanthropist Award in Columbia.

United Way of the Midlands' Humanitarian of the Year Award is presented annually to a recipient who has clearly demonstrated extraordinary leadership in philanthropy and human services. The highly selective criteria for the award ensure its position as one of the highest honors in the Midlands. Nominations are accepted from members of the Palmetto Society and its selection committee, which consists of United Way Board and Leadership Giving Program Members.