Say whaaat?
Yes, you read that right and we don't mind tooting our own horn in this case. Less than 30 days ago, 580 of our closest supporters came together to celebrate the successes of 2018 during our 84th Annual Campaign Celebration event.
Dr. Anthony Robinson, Development Center Director at Rural Sourcing, Inc., and Jordan Pierce, Market President at First Community Bank, United Way’s Campaign Co-Chairs announced that the community had raised $3,016,425 in 2018 for United Way of the CSRA.
These much-needed funds will help provide 44 essential programs across our region in the fields of education, financial stability, and health. And let's not forget that these programs supported by United Way help impact over 218,000 lives right here in our backyard. That means 1 in 5 residents are impacted by United Way. ::insert wow emoji here::
"... we had a great year – full of transitions and changes – but while our CSRA seems to flourish in many ways, the needs of our community continue grow. That is why it is so important for local businesses, corporations, and new industries moving to the area to join United Way and help impact even more local lives.”
Jordan Pierce; 2018 Campaign Co-Chair
Tony Bernados, President of the Augusta Chronicle and Chronicle Media, was guest speaker for our event. He shared his reason for becoming involved with United Way nearly 20 years ago and why it is so crucial for residents to support such an organization that impacts a local life every three minutes....yes EVERY 3 MINUTES. And ultimately that equates to 1 in 5 residents in our area (20% of our community) being impacted by United Way of the CSRA thanks to our network of supporters, donors, partners, and volunteers. <3
1 in 5 residents are impacted by United Way of the CSRA.
It's not a celebration without awards, right?
Now the Academy Awards may have had issues finding a host, but we didn't!
Brad Means and Jennie Montgomery (Anchors-WJBF News Channel 6) along with many United Way MVP's hosted the awards presentation in fun and modern style.
Over 20 organizations that went above and beyond to ensure their community had the resources it needed received super-fun superlative awards - yes, we took it back to high school with superlative categories!
The 2018 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Gregory Francisco. Joseph Klecha, Vice President of Vogtle 3 & 4, and Darin Myers, Vice President Nuclear Plant Site, presented the award along with a check for $2,000 to be donated to a charity of choice. Mr. Francisco, who was nominated by the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta, is well known throughout the community for his passion and drive to make a difference in the community.
Several local companies received superlative awards for their dedication and unique involvement in 2018:
The Campaign Champion Awards were presented to companies who raised over $100,000 and create our strong foundation of helping others:
Special awards were presented to five Employee Campaign Managers whose enthusiasm, leadership, and passion resulted in thriving campaigns:
We couldn't be more proud of our community and partners who came together this past year to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need. Whether it is job skills training, after school mentoring, adaptive physical therapy, addiction support, senior companion services, scout leadership, affordable healthcare and more ..... YOUR United Way is here for YOU!
Thank you for allowing us to help those in need since 1936.
Did you get caught in a photo?? Click through and see!
The event was presented through the generosity of several local sponsors & partners:
Presenting Sponsor: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Platinum Sponsors: Doctors Hospital and Southern Nuclear Operating Company
Gold Sponsor: Georgia Power
Silver Sponsors: ADP and Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate
Media Partners: Augusta Chronicle, Beasley Media Group, and WJBF News Channel 6
Technology Partner: EDTS and EDTS Cyber
Printing and Visual Partners: Phoenix Printing, American Audio Visual Services, and CSRA Photography