Special to The Leader

 

After 34 years of dedicated service, Linn Cardner will be retiring from the United Way of Orange County.

Linn Cardner is a graduate of The University of Texas with a BBA degree. She received numerous honors while at the University including being the first women president of the College of Business Student Council and being chosen an Outstanding Student a junior, an honor usually reserved for a Senior. She moved to Orange with her late husband, Dr. David V. Cardner. They raised 4 sons, all of whom are graduates of West Orange-Stark High School. She became active in the community helping raise funds for the Orange YMCA prior to its closing. She was a member of the Orange Service League and one of the earliest members of the Republican Party of Orange County as well as helping to establish the local party. In 2011, Linn received the Citizen of the Year award presented by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

Linn Cardner has spent the last 34 years of her life working to help the citizens of Orange County through her work with the United Way of Orange County. The main focus of her job has been to coordinate the annual fund raising campaigns provide funds for the United Way agencies. Prior to Hurricane Rita the United Way campaigns twice raised over one million dollars. Since that time and after hurricane Ike the campaign funds have not flowed at the same rate during annual campaigns. She attributes that to contributors moving away from the area, companies downsizing, and the lack of new industry/companies moving into Orange County.

Retirement brings a number of opportunities for Linn. There are many undone household projects begging for attention. There is also travel to friends and family that have been put on hold for a while.

A retirement reception will be held in Linn’s honor on Tuesday, January 31st from 1p.m. until 5 p.m. at the United Way office, located at 1506 W. Park in Orange. The public is invited to attend.