United Way Sets $305,000 Goal for 2017

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Published on August 29 2017 8:48 pm
Last Updated on August 30 2017 9:03 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(LISA KOERNER AND KATIE SMITHENRY OF STEVENS INDUSTRIES DISCUSS THEIR COMPANY'S LEAD PACESETTER EFFORTS)

United Way of Effingham County has set a goal of $305,000 for the 2017 campaign.

The goal is comparable to the amount sought in recent campaigns. Campaign Chairman Ross Richardson said the goal is challenging, but reachable.

25 agencies will receive funding from this year's campaign. They are: Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois Effingham County, Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts of America Lincoln Trails Council, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search and Rescue Team, Effingham County Youth Commission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness, One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now), and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

(2017 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN ROSS RICHARDSON)

United Way held a kickoff luncheon Tuesday. The campaign goal was announced, plus those present who were United Way volunteers and representatives of the agencies receiving funds got to view a video focusing on United Way and how it benefits the agencies. Katie Smithenry and Lisa Koerner of Stevens Industries spoke on behalf of their employees, which is the lead pacesetter for this year's campaign. Richardson noted that 85% of the campaign funds raised are the result of employee campaigns.

To find out more about this year's campaign or how you could help, phone United Way of Effingham County at 217-342-3824.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation following the gathering with United Way Campaign Chair Ross Richardson...