THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170148
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Rebecca A. Myers
LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
Marilee Hawkins wants everyone to know that ``giving is part of living.''
That's probably why this city official was chosen to head the 1995 United Way campaign in Portsmouth.
``I think the most challenging thing is to make people look outside themselves and their own families and to really accept the responsibility of helping others in the community,'' Hawkins said, commenting on this year's fund-raising drive.
``I think as a society, we've gotten away from that. We don't do the barn-raisings like we used to.''
Portsmouth's campaign officially begins on Thursday with a luncheon from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn - Portsmouth Waterfront.
``We're the only city in Hampton Roads that does an independent kickoff, and I think that's just part of the spirit of the community,'' Hawkins said.
At the luncheon, announcements will be made regarding how much has already been raised by Pacesetters, the companies that conduct their fund raising in advance, and Keel Club members, the individuals who give at least $500 a year.
``It's kind of an exciting start because you already have money in when you really get going,'' said Hawkins, whose goal is to raise $650,000 before the campaign concludes at the end of November.
``If everybody just gave some, then we could easily meet and probably exceed that goal by thousands,'' she said.
Hawkins served as a vice chair for last year's campaign, which raised $645,334 for the United Way of South Hampton Roads. In Portsmouth, the money is used by regional agencies such as the Crisis Center, Edmarc Hospice for Children and Child & Family Service, to name a few.
Hawkins, who has three sons, sees her involvement in United Way as a way to set a positive example for her children.
``I think that it's really important to show our children the importance of sharing with the community, and that we all need to help each other,'' she said.
``So part of why I do this is because I want to be able to tell my children about their community responsibilities, and I can't tell them about that without showing them my commitment.''
Name: Marilee Hawkins
Nickname: None
Neighborhood: Lynn Shores
Number of years in Portsmouth: 20
Birthplace: Seattle
Birthday: Jan. 27
Occupation: Director, Environmental Services, City of Portsmouth
What job other than your own would you like? Full-time, stay-home mom
Marital status: Married to Andy Hawkins
Children: Geremy, 25, Drew, 9, and Sam, 6
Fondest childhood memory: Vacation to the Grand Canyon
First concert: Peter, Paul and Mary in Seattle a long time ago
What song or book title best describes your life? ``Angels Among Us'' by Alabama, this year's United Way theme. It reminds us of our blessings, those who help and support us and of our obligation to help others.
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? An island in the San Juans off the coast of Washington state
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Cal Ripken Jr. I have no athletic ability, and I would love to know what it feels like to have that talent and ability.
Biggest accomplishment: Combining career with family fairly successfully
Most embarrassing moment: The many times I can't remember the name of someone I know well when I'm trying to introduce them.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would relax more and be more patient.
Perfect way to spend the day: Shelling at Ocracoke or looking for prehistoric sharks' teeth on the banks of the Potomac
I can't resist: Whatever my kids ask of me
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: Nick's Hot Dogs
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: My back yard
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: The same problems that plague our nation: the breakdown of families; failing to give our children strong, loving beginnings; and not reaching out to help each other.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
A greater appreciation for the environment
A greater appreciation for what we have
More patience as we try to achieve our goals
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? All the property on the water. There are so many wonderful areas hidden away with access to and views of marshes and the Elizabeth River. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB