Business Champions and Campaign Chair, Ryan Chandler, announce Community Fund goal

United Way of the Coastal Empire kicked off its 2026 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Savannah Convention Center. Nearly 700 community leaders gathered to celebrate the start of this year’s fundraising efforts led by campaign chair Ryan Chandler, chief commercial officer of Colonial Group, Inc. The 2026 theme, “Join the Journey”, highlights our community’s path toward ensuring that every individual and family in the region has the opportunity to thrive by strengthening support for United Way’s Community Fund.

“Life is a journey, and we all need support along the way,” explained Chandler. “I give to United Way’s Community Fund because it is the most powerful way to fuel change across our region. It allows United Way to respond to immediate needs, provide a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors, and invest in long-term solutions that support upward mobility.”

In past years, United Way has announced larger fundraising goals that reported all total giving including grants, disaster relief, restricted giving and donations directed to specific causes. This year, the campaign will be laser-focused on increasing support for the Community Fund because it powers United Way’s mission critical work. For the first time in the organization’s history, United Way introduced a dedicated Community Fund goal of $5.2 million that will be reinvested across our five-county region.

Twelve pacesetter businesses launched early employee giving campaigns, collectively committing $809,487 toward the goal. Participating businesses include BankSouth, Chatham Steel Corporation, Colonial Group Inc., Critz Auto Group, Dixie Plywood and Lumber Company, Effingham County Board of Education, Reiser & Reiser LLC, Senior Citizens Inc., Shaw Industries, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard Inc., Thomas & Hutton, and United Way of the Coastal Empire.

“I’ve now been in this role for just over a year, and during this time, what’s stood out most to me is the heart of this community,” shared Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Families are working tirelessly to overcome incredible challenges. Local leaders are driving bold, life-changing work every day. And community supporters like you continue to rise to the occasion, lighting the way with your generosity and unwavering belief in what’s possible.”

In addition to launching the campaign, United Way also recognized three community members for their outstanding commitment to generosity, advocacy and service. The Craig Harney Spirit of Philanthropy Awards are a series of three awards that honor individuals in the areas of giving, advocating and volunteering. This year’s honorees are:

• Giving: Dale C. Critz, Jr.

• Advocacy: Somi Benson-Jaja

• Volunteering: George Shields

This year’s kickoff event was presented by Evans General Contractors and sponsored by Colonial Group, Inc.; Georgia Ports Authority; Gulfstream; Publix; Memorial Health System, HCA; Savannah Convention Center; BankSouth; Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.; Critz Auto Group; Effingham Health System; International Paper; JE Dunn; Thomas & Hutton; VyStar Credit Union; Expert Hearing; First Citizens Bank; Resource and Land Consultants; Stage Front and Truist.

United Way of the Coastal Empire will hold additional kickoff events throughout the region this month. The Effingham County Kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Clarence E. Morgan Complex. Bryan, Liberty and Long counties will host a joint kickoff Sept. 16 at the Richmond Hill City Center. To RSVP, please visit uwce.org/counties-kickoff.

To donate or learn more about United Way of the Coastal Empire’s work, visit uwce.org.