United Way of the Coastal Empire announced its 2017 annual campaign goal of $8,251,841 at the One By One Campaign Kick-Off at the Savannah Civic Center. Campaign Chair Dr. Todd Cellini rallied the crowd to ensure that every child has potential to succeed, adults can provide for their families, and everyone can lead a healthy life.

Dr. Todd Cellini, assistant vice chancellor of South University and president of South University, Savannah, shared his vision and delivered a powerful message about the impact of every dollar invested in our community. “United Way brings people and organizations together to do what no one person or agency could do alone. All of our agencies are connected, working collaboratively to make the greatest impact in the lives of our friends and neighbors,” said Dr. Cellini.  “When you give to the United Way, 100% of your contribution goes to help people in need.”

During the luncheon, United Way highlighted three stories of people impacted by the work of its funded agencies. “Individuals in our community have truly amazing stories,” said Dr. Cellini. “Many of their stories have been positively influenced by the work of United Way and our community partners. We are poised to make a big difference, and I look forward to hearing, sharing, and helping to create many new success stories,” he added.

Contributions to the annual United Way campaign help families and individuals living in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties.  United Way funds more than 100 programs, which represent 63 local non-profit organizations. Priority funding goes to successful programs in the impact areas of Education & Youth Development, Economic Independence, and Health & Wellness. 

Dr. Cellini also thanked companies that sponsored associates to help raise funds for the United Way campaign.  Each year, community-minded employers lend key personnel or sponsor one to serve as full-time fundraisers during the annual campaign.  These sponsored associates give United Way the essential person-power to take our message to workplaces throughout the region.  Their generous gift helps keep the administrative costs associated with campaign low. Companies and organizations that sponsor one or more associates are Armstrong State University, Chatham County, Georgia-Pacific Savannah River Mill, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power, South University, and St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Prior to goal announcement, local businesses reported results from their campaigns that were conducted in early August. These “Pacesetters” got a head start on their campaigns in order to set a high bar for the community as a whole, and helped kick-off the campaign with $644,559 of this year’s goal.