United Way of the Coastal Empire announced its goal for the 2008 community campaign Wednesday.  The organization has set its target at $8,288,888, up from the $8,000,000 goal of last year.   

United Way celebrated the launch of its campaign with a luncheon at the Savannah Civic Center. Funds raised during the annual campaign help support health and human service programs that improve the lives of people in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

The campaign encourages our community to work united, stand united and live united to create opportunities for everyone to have a better life.  The campaign cabinet, chaired by Dale Critz Jr., has been working since early this year to determine how we can increase the success of our United Way campaign to benefit the community.

“United Way is my passion; it makes a difference in people’s lives every day,” Critz said.  “You don’t have to go far to see the need in our community, and you don’t have to look far to see United Way at work.”  

Critz is president of Critz, Inc., a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, GMC and Buick dealership in Savannah.

Recognized at the kickoff were the 53 volunteers who comprise the campaign cabinet, as well as the 17 loaned associates who will carry the 2008 campaign to employee groups across the community.

To aid in this year’s effort, Critz, Inc. has generously donated a new 2008 GMC truck to be given away as part of the community campaign.  Anyone attending a United Way campaign meeting at their place of employment is eligible to enter. The winner will be announced at the end of the campaign on Nov. 21 of this year. No donation is required.  

During the luncheon, local businesses within the community reported results from their campaigns that were conducted in early August. These “Pacesetters” got a head start on their campaigns in order to set the pace for the community campaign as a whole.  Pacesetters reported a total of $1,235,645 and counting.

To learn more or to give outside the workplace, please call (912) 651-7714 or visit www.uwce.org.

About United Way of the Coastal Empire
United Way of the Coastal Empire serves Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. The mission of the United Way is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.  We give special thanks to the Herschel V. Jenkins Trust Fund and other income, which cover 100 percent of administrative and fundraising costs.

For further information, please visit www.uwce.org.