More than 1,100 citizens gathered at the Savannah Civic Center to kick off the annual campaign for United Way of the Coastal Empire and celebrate what the organization does to improve lives in our community.  The energized crowd of United Way supporters gathered for lunch where this year’s campaign chair, Kay Ford, advisory board chairman Savannah Market for BankSouth, announced the sky-high goal of $8,338,000. Contributions to the 2016 United Way campaign ensure that every child has potential to succeed, adults can provide for their families, and everyone can lead a healthy life.  

Ford shared her vision for this year’s campaign and delivered a powerful message about the difference United Way makes for all of us.  “The work the United Way does in this community is far reaching and creates lasting, positive change by addressing critical issues such as family financial stability and early childhood education,” said Ford. “It’s crucial for everyone here today to share the message of United Way’s impact on our community and, most importantly, BE THE ONE to give, advocate, or volunteer to make a difference.”

United Way funds more than 100 programs, which represented 58 non-profit organizations in our four county service area – Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. Priority funding goes to successful programs in the impact areas of Education & Youth Development, Economic Independence, and Health & Wellness.

During the luncheon, 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.  This year’s Pacesetters have helped to kick-off the campaign with $620,000 of this year’s goal.   

United Way campaign will run from September 8^th through November 18^th. You can give by visiting www.uwce.org or by calling 912.651.7714.

Recognized for their roles as 2016 Pacesetter organizations/companies were:

1. Georgia Transformer $2,064

2. Reiser & Reiser, LLC $2,080

3. OBG $4,323

4. Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners $5,768

5. Macy's $5,801

6. City of Tybee Island $8,196

7. South State Bank $10,145

8. Effingham Health Systems $15,000

9. BankSouth $15,175

10. Belk $16,100

11. Sea Island Bank $18,000

12. South University $20,764

13. Thomas & Hutton $37,586

14. Seacrest Partners $42,263

15. Chatham Steel            $42,450

16. Critz Auto Group $49,724

17. Women's Legacy Council $50,461

18. Target  $68,125

19. Effingham County Board of Education $83,490

United Way of the Coastal Empire & Funded Agencies $122,485