United Way launched the Burke County United Way 
Campaign on August 13, 2008, at the Augusta Technical College Waynesboro campus. Region Vice President for Georgia Power and United Way's 2008 Campaign Chair, Mr. Walt Dukes, announced the Burke County campaign goal of $212,000, expressing his confidence that Burke County would achieve their goal. Mr. Dukes challenged those in attendance to "Light the Way", stressing the importance for Burke County to give, advocate, and volunteer. (Shown in the photo are: (L to R - Walt Dukes, Tammy Greene, Derrick Greene, Ashley Wright.)
The keynote speaker for the event was Ms. Ashley Wright, District Attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit. The 2008 Campaign video was previewed by an audience of 150 local community and business leaders, health and human service agencies as well as some government officials. Ms. Tammy Greene, featured in the 2008 campaign video, shared her story of how her family was assisted by one United Way funded program. Their home was destroyed by a tornado that hit Burke County in March 2008, and the American Red Cross of Augusta came to their aid that night with lodging and financial assistance.
Ms. Meredith Anderson, News Anchor with WRDW TV News 12, presided over the event sponsored by Southern Nuclear Operating Company. Other sponsors included Capital City Bank, OneCare, Augusta Technical College-Waynesboro Campus, The Briar Patch, Burke County Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pineland Bakery, and Wal-Mart.
