United Way Benefactors Club honorees had great role models who taught them to give

The couple at the center of 2022 United Way of Davidson County's 2022 Benefactors Reception said a big part of why they give and stay involved with their United Way is the models of giving each had with their parents.

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The Board of Directors of United Way of Davidson County and leadership donors across Davidson County will honor Todd and Jodi Hunt at the 2022 Benefactors Reception at 6 pm. Friday, Oct, 7 at Sapona Country Club. They own Jerry Hunt Supercenters in Lexington and Salisbury. Todd Hunt's dad, Jerry, was always in the car business and started the Jerry Hunt Auto Sales & Truck Center more than 40 years ago, which is what eventually became the Jerry Hunt Supercenter on Piedmont Drive in Lexington.

"Both of us grew up in homes with parents who helped their communities," said Jodi Hunt. "I'll start with Todd's parents. His dad was always involved with their church. Jerry (Hunt) was always involved in the church's activities that helped people in the community. When a church or a ball team would have a meal fundraiser, Jerry would buy plates to feed his entire staff."

Todd shared with Jodi that after his dad's death in 2011, he discovered how entrenched his father was in helping the community on levels and in ways he never knew.

"At the funeral, Todd was amazed at the number of people who came to show their respect," she said. "He did not know most of them. They came through the line and shared stories of how Jerry had heled them. He never knew how much his father gave to others."

Like her husband, Jodi Hunt also grew up in a home watching her parents be involved in their community.

"What resonated with me was how my mother was a giver," she said. "If someone died or they were sick, she was home cooking for them. She would take people to their doctor's appointments. She was a giver and a caretaker."

As individuals, the Hunts have donated to the annual United Way of Davidson County for decades. They teamed their business — Jerry Hunt Supercenter — with United Way in 2018. The employee campaign has become one of the largest contributors to United Way of Davidson County.

The Hunt’s leadership and belief in giving back to their community is the driving spirit behind the extremely giving employees at Jerry Hunt Supercenter, said Kristie Hege, president of United Way of Davidson County. The employees go all out each year for their annual United Way workplace campaign.

“We could not be more excited to honor such a deserving couple," continued Hege. "Todd and Jodi represent what it means to LIVE UNITED. They give of their time, talents, and their treasures to make others’ lives better. It is an honor to recognize them as this year’s 2022 Benefactor Honorees.”

Begun in 1995, The United Way Benefactors Club is a society that represents generous members in the community that want their contributions invested in programs that create measurable and sustainable impact in Davidson County. The Benefactors Club is made up of several giving levels starting with the Ambassador's Society with an annual investment between $500 to $999 and increasing to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society with an annual investment of $10,000 or more.

Since 2018, the Hunts have given $10,000 to United Way of Davidson County, which the nonprofit uses to encourage others to give their Caring Share. Anyone who gives their Caring Share — one hour of pay per month for 12 months — is entered into a chance to win $10,000. For the first two years, the dealership offered the winner either a car or $10,000.

"Organizational culture starts with leadership. Todd and Jodi Hunt’s leadership and belief in giving back to their community is the driving spirit behind the extremely giving employees at Jerry Hunt Supercenter," Hege wrote in a press release. "They go all out each year for their annual United Way workplace campaign. Since 2017, JHSC has invested over $228,000 into meeting the human service needs in Davidson County."

Jodi Hunt currently serves as the board chairwoman for the United Way of Davidson County and has also held roles as campaign chairwoman, vice chairwoman and agency advocate. Throughout the years, she has served in many community roles including Secretary of Fairgrove Booster Club, board member for Fairgrove Family Resource Center, and fundraising committee for The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center. She has a 35-year career in sales and customer service and currently works alongside her husband Todd at Jerry Hunt Supercenter as the public relations and human resources director.

Todd Hunt has been in the car business for over 45 years. He started out washing cars and learning the ropes from his late father. Todd finds joy in helping others reach their full potential. In addition to being a champion for the United Way of Davidson County, he also sponsors and supports many drivers at Bowman Gray Stadium, various other nonprofits and contributes to Central Baptist Church, a church that his father helped build. He is also a member of NIADA and the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, where he was recently honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award.

United Way of Davidson County serves many needs and supports a variety of agencies that impact the community in such a positive way, the Hunts shared. "We appreciate that the dollars stay local and help people in our community. We feel United Way advocates for our communities neediest and most vulnerable," said Jodi Hunt.

The couple has four children in their blended family. Todd has two children, Danielle Hunt and Chase Hunt. Jodi also has two children, Nicholas Poole and Hailey Poole. In addition to their children, they have two grandchildren, Aleah and Carter.

"Until you really get involved, you can't really know and appreciate the impact United Way it has in our community and the number of people who are helped," said Jodi Hunt. "It helps people from babies to seniors."

She said last year when United Way came to the car dealership to show employees a short video about the people who have been helped by United Way in Davidson one employee was in tears as it ended. He shared that the elderly couple in the video who had received a new roof on their home from one of United Way's 21 partner agencies, were his aunt and uncle.

"That hit home with all of our employees," she said. "Those were real people getting help from the money they give out of their paychecks to United Way."

The United Way of Davidson County is in the midst of their annual giving campaign that will help fund local human service programs in Davidson County. Last year, over 21,455 people in need received assistance through United Way funded programs.

People who wish to become benefactors and attend the upcoming celebration are encouraged to call the United Way office at 336-249-2532.

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Jill Doss-Raines is The Dispatch trending topics and personality profiles senior reporter and is always looking for tips about businesses and entertainment events, secret and new menu items, and interesting people in Davidson County. Contact me at jill.doss-raines@the-dispatch.com and subscribe to us at the-dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: Todd and Jodi Hunt to he honored by United way of Davidson County