The United Way hosted about 25 people at Bunny’s Restaurant Thursday morning to thank the organization’s existing partners.

“It was a thank-you to the faithful, to those who still participate in a large way and maintain United Way’s presence in Western Tidewater,” said Win Winslow, Western Tidewater relationship manager for the United Way.

Representatives from the city of Suffolk, Suffolk Public Schools, Planters Peanuts, Sentara Obici Hospital, Bon Secours, TowneBank, BASF and other large employers that participate in United Way campaigns were in attendance.

The organization is trying to ramp its presence back up after re-establishing an office in Western Tidewater, Winslow said.

In 2009, United Way consolidated all its regional offices in Norfolk in an effort to reduce overhead and be able to spend more money on programs, Winslow said. But three years later, the office in Suffolk is back.

“They realized that the presence, especially in Western Tidewater, is essential,” Winslow said. “We want to really re-grow the presence of United Way in Western Tidewater.”

The organization now has office space donated by Cross Realty, 1707 N. Main St., helping to keep its overhead low.

“We maximize the dollars that are donated going out to those who need them,” Winslow said.

A new Western Tidewater Fund has been established for people who do not want to direct their donation to a specific charity but do want it to remain in Western Tidewater.

“You can donate where you live and where you work and know your money is staying where you are,” Winslow said.

Winslow said the organization appreciates employers in Western Tidewater who have participated.

“We’re so thankful to our partners who have participated,” Winslow said. “We really want to grow the presence back and support as much as we can support here in Western Tidewater.”