United Way of the Coastal Empire celebrated exceeding its $8,251,841 campaign goal and raising $8,290,281 during the Victory Celebration held at Grayson Stadium.   

Campaign Chair Dr. Todd Cellini expressed his gratitude to thousands of volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for working together to raise funds to help those in need. “Once again, the Coastal Empire community has been incredibly generous in coming together for the annual United Way fundraising campaign and demonstrated the true meaning of community – people helping people,” remarked Dr. Cellini, assistant vice chancellor of South Campuses and president of South University, Savannah.  “Because of the generosity of so many, United Way funded agencies will continue to help our friends and neighbors improve their lives.”

United Way organizes its campaign into units of industry groups. Unit One, Corporate Division, surpassed the other units with a campaign total of more than $3.7 million. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and its employees gave the single largest contribution with a total of $2 million.

Funds raised will be invested in agencies that serve to help children achieve their potential, improve community health, and assist individuals and families to become financially independent.  This year, United Way funds more than 100 programs at 63 agencies in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.

In addition to funding community programs and services, United Way also connects citizens to hundreds of human services through its call center, 2-1-1.  During the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, United Way

2-1-1 helped hundreds of families including Tybee residents by providing food vouchers, gas cards, and rent assistance.

More than 30,000 donors and 700 companies donated to the United Way annual fundraising campaign, which kicked-off in September.

Following is the breakdown of 2017 campaign results:

• Unit 1: Corporate -- $3,740,641

• Unit 2: Services/Transportation -- $872,502

• Unit 3: Manufacturing/Wholesale/Retail -- $630,825

• Unit 4: Public Service -- $483,044

• Unit 5: Business Development Residential -- $1,180,804

• Unit 6: Effingham County -- $365,302

• Unit 7: Professionals -- $317,431

• Unit 8: Education -- $210,940

• Unit 9: Bryan County -- $190,575

• Unit 10: Liberty County -- $155,000

• Disaster Relief-- $143,217