For the third year in a row, FirstHealth of the Carolinas will receive statewide recognition for its efforts in the local United Way giving campaign.

"Employees, staff and volunteers at FirstHealth continue to raise the bar in giving back to the community by volunteering their time to the United Way and other nonprofits in the community, and by making a tremendous financial commitment to improve the lives of others," said Linda Pearson, executive director of Moore County's United Way program. "We are extremely pleased to see one of our local campaigns get statewide recognition."

Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign Excellence is sponsored annually by the United Way of North Carolina. The Spirit Awards provide statewide recognition for outstanding commitment and support to communities through local United Way involvement.

"FirstHealth is honored to again be recognized as an Employee Spirit Award recipient by the North Carolina United Way," said Wes Cowell, FirstHealth United Way campaign co-chairman. "FirstHealth employees have been strong supporters of the United Way over the years, and their generosity embodies the FirstHealth mission to care for people."

According to Cowell, the keys to the organization's successful campaign include the tireless efforts of the FirstHealth United Way campaign advisory committee, a focus on leadership support and employee events that generated awareness and excitement for United Way fundraising.

"As FirstHealth employees, we have a rich tradition of supporting communitywide efforts," said Chris Miller, FirstHealth United Way campaign co-chair. "We can be very proud of the numbers of people in our communities who benefit from our employee support of the United Way campaign."

The Spirit Committee judged more than 70 outstanding submissions from top companies, organizations, governmental entities, and health care and educational institutions as well as large and small businesses. Awards will be presented to 32 companies and/or organizations during the United Way of North Carolina's annual meeting on Feb. 3 in Pinehurst.

Organizations and companies were judged on a variety of criteria outlined in the Spirit of North Carolina Standards of Excellence, including leadership giving, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education, corporate support, incentive programs and campaign rallies.