Even in a sluggish economy the people of Effingham County have been generous.
The United Way held its Effingham County Campaign kickoff on Friday, announcing a goal for 2009-10 of $260,000. Bonnie Dixon, area director for United Way, said last year’s goal of $250,000 was passed, as $287,000 was raised in Effingham County.
The Effingham County Recreation Department’s gym in Springfield was transformed into Hollywood by the staff and many volunteers and Poppy’s BBQ catered lunch to the huge crowd. John Weatherbee of WTOC-TV was master of ceremonies while Effingham’s campaign chair, Adam Kobek, donned a beret and fake mustache to lead the day’s activities.
Because of the day’s significance (9/11) a special ceremony was conducted, led by Leland Sanders, vice president of manufacturing for Temcor. The ceremony honored the area’s first responders and several members of the police, fire and EMS units stood as the ceremony got under way. It included the ECHS Air Force JROTC color guard and featured Camille Russo, area AT&T manager and Chatham County campaign co-chair, singing the national anthem.
Effingham Co-Chair Meredith Arnsdorff presented the annual Caring Cup Award to Sand Hill Elementary School for the highest per capita giving. Teacher and school campaign chair David Smith accepted the award for the school. The Effingham County School System, which already had begun its campaign, announced that it has raised $61,872 toward Effingham County’s goal.
Among the 20 organizations that received funding in the 2008-2009 year were: American Cancer Society; Treutlen House; Medbank; Effingham Victim-Witness Assistance Program; Rape Crisis Center; Parent and Child of Union Mission; Effingham Family Connection; LIFE, Inc.; United Way’s 2-1-1; Hands-on-Savannah; Concerted Services; Community Cardiovascular Council; American Red Cross; Girl Scouts; Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy; Consumer Credit Counseling; Big Brothers-Big Sisters; Hospice Savannah; United Way’s Effingham Service Center; and the Effingham YMCA.