SAVANNAH -- United Way of the Coastal Empire supporters in Effingham County are kicking off the 2022 Fall Campaign with a football-themed luncheon Thursday in the Clarence E. Morgan Recreational Complex’s gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

“United Way plays an important role and improves lives throughout our region and here in Effingham County, said 2022 Effingham County Campaign Chair LaMeisha Hunter-Kelly. “We are thrilled to come together to celebrate our pacesetters and volunteers, and kick off this year’s campaign. It takes all of us coming together to make a difference and we need everyone to get in the game this year.”

Hunter-Kelly, executive director of Strategic Business Development and Government Affairs at Effingham Health System, has adopted the title “Coach” for her role in this year’s campaign in keeping with the “Team United” theme of the 2022 United Way Campaign.

Morgan, who was a veteran educator and long-time coach in Effingham County, passed away at the age of 75 earlier this year. The recreational facility was named in his honor and now Effingham’s United Way office plans to share news of a new community service award that adds to the accolades given to Morgan.

The program will start at 11:30 a.m. with “pre-game” check-in capturing a tailgating atmosphere. The pep rally-style program begins at noon with a special presentation from United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Vice-Chair Jay Wilson and a keynote speech by Hunter-Kelly. Lunch from Southern Kafe on Highway 17 will be served.

Sponsors of the luncheon and other kickoff festivities are Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Effingham Health System, and Leap Youth Development Program.