New president elected for Yadkin Valley United Fund

Mike Bovender will assume the duties of president of the on June 1 Yadkin Valley United Fund, after recent board member selections by that agency.

Along with being president of the United Fund, he is one of the owners of Surry Maintenance, chief of Elkin Rescue Squad, and treasurer of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Other officers elected were Wendy Wood, Surry-Yadkin Electric, as president-elect; Justin Roberts, First Community Bank, as vice president; Missy Shore, State Employees Credit Union, taking on the role of treasurer; and Denny Lazar, Elkin Vine Line, who is past president.

Three new board members were also elected, Jason Martin, PVH; Kent Suddreth, Duke Energy; and Dr. Steve Hall, Elkin City Schools.

Twenty-one grants and three scholarships were awarded at the April board meeting for the 2025 year. The 2025 goal has been set at $200,000 again. The 2024 campaign stood at $195,000 when the group last met. The 2025 campaign kicks off June 1.

The three scholarships winners will be recognized and presented $2,000 check each at the May 15 board meeting. The winners are Payton Spicer, East Wilkes, who will be attending UNC Chapel Hill; Macy Lane, Elkin, who will be attending Appalachian State; and Maggie Ray, Starmount, who will also be attending Appalachian State. The annual appreciation kickoff banquet will be Thursday, Aug. 8 at The Barn at Premier Farm Jonesville. All donors of $600 or more, all present and past board members, agency partners receiving grants in 2025 and representatives from companies allowing and promoting payroll deduction may take part.

Agency partners, board members, grant and scholarship applications and other information may be found on the website: Yadkinvalleyunitedfund.org. Executive Director David Steelman may be reached at 336-469-2860 or email Yadkinvalleyunitedfund@gmail.com.