The United Way of East Mississippi and West Alabama presented its Lifetime Achievement Award and the first Community Cup Award at its annual meeting Thursday night.

Longtime United Way supporter, Tommy Dulaney, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mississippi Power Company received the first ever Community Cup Award for its contributions to the community.

Hundreds of United Way supporters are part of the fundraising efforts, which reached a record high in the 2007-2008 campaign.

"And that way, when someone gives to The United Way, one cent, one dollar, 100 percent of it will go to our agencies here locally in east Mississippi and west Alabama," said Gary Wilkinson, United Way board chairman.

The United Way assisted seventeen local agencies last year.