UNITED WAY KICKS-OFF BURKE COUNTY CAMPAIGN

United Way of the Central Savannah River Area entertained over 150 guests on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Burke County United Way Campaign Kickoff luncheon held at the Augusta Technical College, Waynesboro campus.  With a "Jungle Escape" theme, United Way invited their guests to escape the stress and challenges of the daily jungle while they learned about the benefits United Way funded programs provide for the community.

Mr. Stan Shepherd, Regional Manager for AT&T and United Way's First Vice-Chair for the 2009 Campaign, announced the Burke County campaign goal of $171,000 and expressed his confidence in Burke County being able to achieve their goal.  He said, "We all know that the needs are well beyond any goal that we could ever set, but together we can do it!"

Mr. Shepherd went on to say, "When you give to United Way, your gift provides housing for a homeless person; protects a woman from an abusive spouse; prepares a child for kindergarten; provides a home for a family who lost everything in a fire; teaches hundreds of children how to swim; protects a child from abuse; matches an adult to a child who needs a mentor; provides counseling to a family in distress; provides a hearing aid for a person who can't hear, and so much more.  These are just a few of the many things that your one gift to United Way can accomplish."  He challenged those in attendance to LIVE UNITED by Giving, Advocating, and Volunteering to make Burke County a better place to live, work, and raise our families.

Rev. Sam Vernon, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, was keynote speaker for the event.  He shared a compelling story of his experiences when he went underground as a homeless person in Chicago for one weekend.  He related how he came to see the importance of the health and human service agencies that serve people in need in our communities as well as the importance of giving to these charities to ensure that their services remain available for those in need.  Members of the audience also previewed the 2009 Campaign video, "Live United," which was produced by Mass Media Marketing.

Ms. Lindsai Mobley- Gentry, the 2009 Campaign Cabinet Chair, introduced the Burke County Campaign Cabinet members: Ms. Beverly Black, Capital City Bank; Mr. DeAndre Davis, Burke Community Partnership; Mr. William Edwards, Georgia Power; Ms. Nancy Minyard, Wimberly House Ministries; Ms. Amy Nunnally, Burke County Board of Education; Ms. Jennifer Posey, Queensborough National Bank; Ms. Ashley Roberts, Burke County Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Andrea Stein, City of Waynesboro; and Ms. Clatina Wimberly, Burke Community Partnership.

Several children from Girl Scout Troop #20748 and Cub Scout Troop #220 of Wimberly House Ministries were on hand to lead the pledge of allegiance, and Ms. Val Crawford from Capital City Bank sang the National Anthem.  And, in keeping with the Jungle Escape theme, the crowd was entertained with native drum music performed by Mr. Not Gaddy and friends from IDRUM2U.

WRDW's News Anchor, Melissa Tune, presided over the event sponsored by Southern Nuclear Operating Company.  Other sponsors included Capital City Bank and Augusta Technical College- Waynesboro Campus.  The event entertained local community and business leaders, health and human service agencies, government officials, and representatives from many Burke County businesses. 

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