Bill Rogers and Brenda McCutchen United Way of the Midlands recognized Columbia’s George W. “Bill” Rogers as the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year on February 25. This award is presented by The Palmetto Society of United Way of the Midlands annually to a recipient who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in philanthropy and human services.

Bill Rogers is the co–founder and chairman of the Board of Bonitz, Inc. and chairman emeritus of Consolidated Systems, Inc. (CSI). He has grown these businesses since their creation in the 1950s and has created thousands of jobs while quietly making personal and financial contributions to organizations in our community.

Rogers has made a tremendous impact in the Midlands of South Carolina through his support of organizations such as Claflin University in Orangeburg, the Alston Wilkes Society, the Carolina Children’s Home, and the juvenile justice system. His giving is unpretentious, usually given quietly behind the scenes. As a rule, he has not allowed his name to be associated with his gifts preferring instead to be an anonymous donor.

Some of the speakers on the program of United Way of the Midlands Humantarian of the Year awards dinner were Rev. R. Wayne Horne, senior minister of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church; J. Cantey Heath, longtime friend of Bill Rogers; Rev. Dr. Bill Bouknight, former pastor of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church; and Samuel J. Tenenbaum, 2005 Humanitarian of the Year Recipient.

According to Anita Floyd, vice president of Community Impact, “United Way of the Midlands works to bring resources together to create lasting change in the Midlands in the areas of education, income, and health specifically with the homeless and helping students succeed in school. We do this through a number of methods, including funding competitive grants, education, partnerships, policy, and advocacy.”

United Way of the Midlands has much to celebrate this year as they are among the top 15% of United Way chapters in terms of increased giving during the year 2009.

To donate financially to United Way of the Midlands, visit www.uway.org or text MIDLANDS to 864833 to donate $5 on your next cell phone bill. There are options to make a donation online, to establish a workplace campaign, or to become involved in affinity groups such as the Young Leaders Society, Women in Philanthropy, or The Palmetto Society.