Effingham County United Way Sets New Fundraising Record

The 2016 United Way of Effingham County fundraising campaign set a record by raising $360,036. The mark was announced at the Annual Meeting for the United Way of Effingham County Monday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Effingham. The campaign officially closed on Tuesday night.

The winners of the 2016 Spirit of Caring Awards were announced, and the businesses were also honored that achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze status. Patterson Technology Center was also recognized as the “Lead Pacesetter” company, partner agencies were reviewed, and the record-setting campaign was celebrated.

The Spirit of Caring Awards recognize individuals who are committed citizens and organizations that stand out, giving countless hours to improve the quality of life in Effingham County.

(IMAGINE THIS!)

Imagine This! Marketing Group was named 2016 Outstanding Volunteer. Imagine This! Marketing Group has played a key role in creating United Way of Effingham County’s website. The new website provides a quicker, more efficient platform for individuals to learn more about the mission of United Way and upcoming events.

Imagine This! Marketing Group also helped launch the Facebook site. This tool is another resource people can use to stay up to date on United Way events and happenings.

(STEVENS INDUSTRIES)

Stevens Industries was named 2016 Outstanding Organization based on their support throughout the year to United Way.  Stevens Industries has been a big supporter of United Way. They began their first campaign in 1996 and raised $25,000 in their recent campaign, which was a 34% increase from last year’s campaign. Their employees know how to raise money and have fun doing it, as they held various internal fundraisers, auctions, pie in the face contests, bake sales, and other endeavors. Their support shows throughout the year by attending and donating to United Way fundraising events, and by having representation on the Board of Directors.

(ROSS RICHARDSON)

Ross Richardson was named 2016 Outstanding Board Member. Richardson joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2008 representing HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. United Way Chief Professional Officer Linda Hemmen said of Richardson, "He has been instrumental in their employee campaign, raising over $20,000 for three consecutive years. During his tenure, Ross has served on every committee to include; Executive, Campaign, Grants, Nominating, Organization & Priorities and Special Events. He has served as the Board President three times throughout his term on the Board of Directors. He has a passion for helping people and giving back to the community.  You can always count on Ross to be a leader by donating auction items and purchasing a VIP table at United Way events. He is a true leader and has many outstanding qualities. Many board members see Ross’s drive and dedication as this is the third time Ross has been voted Outstanding Board Member by the Board of Directors."

(INCOMING DIRECTORS)

Other business included seating six new and renewing directors for the 2017 Board of Directors. New members include: Katie Smithenry – Stevens Industries, Patrick Kreke – Patterson Technology Center and Rachel Miller –  Siemer Milling Company. Those serving another term include; Sara Jennings – Community Member, Ross Richardson – HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Tony Crackel –  H & W Service Center.

(OUTGOING MEMBERS)

Special thanks was given to outgoing board members; Beth Meyer – Siemer Milling Company, Chris Etter – Re/Max Key Advantage and Cheryl Pruemer – McDevitt, Osteen, Chojnicki, Deters Law Firm for their terms on the board.

Pacesetter Companies were also recognized. They are companies who have conducted an employee campaign, made a corporate donation, and purchased a table at the United Way Gala. Over 85% of the annual campaign is generated from employee campaigns. They include: Agracel, Consolidated Communications, Crossroads Bank, Dieterich Bank, Heartland Dental, HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company and Stevens Industries.

(GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE PLAQUE RECIPIENTS)

Gold, Silver and Bronze level plaques were presented to the businesses based on their campaign totals. Gold level businesses, raising $10,000 or above include: Agracel, Ameren, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company, and Stevens Industries.  Silver level businesses, raising $5,000 - $9,999 include; Dieterich Bank, Niemerg’s Steakhouse, and Wal-Mart. Bronze level businesses, raising $2,500 - $4,999 include; Crossroads Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Hodgson Mill, Sherwin Williams Company and Washington Savings Bank.

Other local businesses that conducted an employee campaign were also honored: Catholic Charities, Consolidated Communications, Continental Mills, Effingham County employees, Effingham Daily News, Federal Express, First Financial Bank of Newton, First National Bank of Waterloo, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Dental, John Boos & Company, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Montrose Mutual, RR Donnelley & Sons, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Senior Services of Effingham County and UPS.

Effingham Daily News, First Financial Bank Newton and First National Bank of Waterloo were recognized for conducting their first employee campaigns.

23 local agencies will receive funding from the 2016 United Way of Effingham County campaign: Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois, Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts of America- Lincoln Trails Council, CASA of Effingham County, Catholic Charities, CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition Program, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Effingham County Youth Commission, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), One Hope United, Oneighty, Senior Services of Effingham County, Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies (SAFE), Strategic Training & Restoration (STAR), Stopping Woman Abuse Now (SWAN), and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

For more information about United Way of Effingham County, please call (217) 342-3824 or visit www.effinghamunitedway.org.