Larry Hensgens, left, and Corleen Rouly listen to Philip de Mahy speak Thursday night at the United Way Awards Banquet held at the Sliman Theater. — Lee Ball / The Daily Iberian

The United Way of Acadiana held its ninth annual Awards and Recognition Banquet at the Sliman Theater on Thursday, honoring those who had contributed to the organization’s annual fundraising campaign.

Sponsored by Aggreko, the event aimed to recognize the people who made the 2010 year a success for the United Way, Philip de Mahy said.

“2010 proved to be a terrific, if somewhat trying year, for United Way of Iberia,” de Mahy, the 2010 Chairman of the United Way of Iberia Board of Directors, said.

“In light of the economic situation in our country during 2010, I’m happy to report that United Way was still able to provide grant monies to 23 programs touching the lives of literally thousands of Iberia Parish residents.”

De Mahy also said that the organization raised more than $506,000 in 2010, which exceeded yearly goals. With this money, United Way of Iberia was able to provide a book to more than 400 children throughout the parish and give nearly $25,000 worth of in-kind products and donations to residents in the community.

During the awards portion of the evening, the big winner was Ryan Huval, chairman of Division 8 (Rural Areas), who received the 2010 Outstanding Division Leader award for the largest percentage increase over the division’s yearly goal.

“Ryan has once more garnered the honor of having the largest percentage of donations for his division goal. This year he reached 119.2 percent. And I promised him that I’m going to increase his goal for next year so that he has to work a little harder,” Corleen Rouly, executive director for United Way of Iberia, said.

Other award winners included:

• Community First Bank: Pearl Award (contribution level more than $100,000).

• Community First Bank: Directory’s Award of Excellence (outstanding corporate commitment and service to community of Iberia Parish).

• Cargill Deicing Technology-Avery Island Mine: Emerald Gem Award (contribution level more than $400,000).

• Cargill Deicing Technology-Avery Island Mine: Community Impact Award (advancing common good in Iberia Parish).

• Philip de Mahy: Appreciation as chairman of the United Way Board.

• Gary Joseph: Service as 2010 Campaign Drive chairperson.

• Jeff Zeringue: Service as 2010 Pacesetter chairman.