DAVIDSON COUNTY – Faced with falling short $300,000 of his nonprofit’s goal of $2 million for the United Way of Davidson County’s 2009 campaign, Lee Jessup, the organization’s president, recently sent an “appeal letter” to benefactors asking for last-minute donations.

Lexington’s Talmadge and Ian Silversides answered Jessup’s plea this week by giving $150,000 to the United Way of Davidson County. The donation puts the United Way, which has now extended its 2009 campaign into February, at $1.85 million.

“We, like many individuals and I’m assuming businesses, received an appeal letter from Lee Jessup acknowledging the deficit and asking individuals if they could again look and make an additional donation,” Talmadge Silversides said. “That’s what we did ... We have been United Way donors for many, many years. I am on the board presently of two agencies who are United Way agencies. I know how much the community benefits from United Way and their partner agencies with services provided.”

In December 2008, Talmadge’s brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Peggy Hinkle, helped the United Way of Davidson County by donating $170,000 for the organization to meet its $2 million goal.

Not only has Talmadge Silversides helped the United Way of Davidson County, she also helped with funding the new Henry Etta and Bruce Hinkle Hospice House by donating $250,000. Ed Hinkle previously said he was inspired by his sister’s donation toward the hospice house that he decided to give the gift to the United Way of Davidson County.

Jessup said he “was extremely excited” that the Silversides made the $150,000 gift “in light of a very tough economy and very tough campaign year.”

“This will cut our deficit to only $150,000, and I’m hoping that this dramatic gesture by the Silversides might inspire others to help us reach our goal,” he said.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the United Way of Davidson County can call 249-2532 or send checks to P.O. Box 492., Lexington, N.C. 27293.

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