By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
United Way enjoys 'total' success
United Way-Effingham County
Way Area Director Elizabeth Waters (from left), United Way Assistant Area Director Whitney Wilkins, United Way Ambassador Joseph Douberly, United Way Ambassador Rome Edwards, United Way Campaign Vice Chairman Brian Van Ness and United Way Board of Directors Chairman Ryan Waters are shown revealing the total. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

RINCON — United Way of the Coastal Empire-Effingham County celebrated the success of its annual fund-raising campaign Thursday with a victory party at The Herald Center, the Effingham Herald’s new events center at 1204 N. Columbia Ave.

Lisa Saxon and Brian Van Ness, campaign chairman and vice chairman, respectively, led the charge of surpassing the goal of $345,000, which was set at a kickoff event in September.

United Way officials thanked 84 businesses that played a role in the campaign’s success. Two organizations, the Effingham County Board of Education ($81,662) and Georgia-Pacific Savannah River Mill ($232,791), were recognized for collecting more than $50,000 for United Way.

Georgia-Pacific was also honored for providing two of its best employees, Rome Edwards and Joseph Douberly. They served as ambassadors — United Way Area Director Elizabeth Waters dubbed them “boots on the ground” — who collected donations from 33 businesses that donate annually. The duo also obtained seven new business partners.

The final tally of $370,062 was $25,062 over the goal. After the total was revealed, Waters reminded the attendees that each dollar will address needs of families in Effingham County.

For more information, contact Waters at (912) 826-5300.