United Way Campaign Beats Goal, Second Highest Amount Ever Raised Locally
Published on February 7 2019 3:49 pm
Last Updated on February 7 2019 3:49 pm
Written by Greg Sapp
The campaign officially closed on January 31.
The winners of the 2018 Spirit of Caring Awards were announced. The evening also honored those who achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze status. Siemer Milling Company was recognized as the “Lead Pacesetter” company. Partner agencies were recognized and the 2018 Campaign was highlighted.
The Spirit of Caring Awards recognize citizens and organizations that stand out, those who make an impact on the campaign, and those who give countless hours to improve the quality of life in Effingham County.
Kohl’s/Kohl’s Cares was named 2018 Outstanding Volunteer. In honor of “Giving Tuesday”, United Way of Effingham County was awarded $10,000 from Kohl’s / Kohl’s Cares. More than 300 organizations nationwide received this grant. Kohl’s employees have also been instrumental in helping at the United Way Witches Ball.
Ameren was named 2018 Outstanding Organization. They began their first campaign in 2000 raising $13,716 and have grown their campaign throughout the years, by raising over $34,000 with the most recent campaign. Ameren shows their support throughout the year by attending United Way events, and having a representative on the Board of Directors.
Patrick Kreke was named 2018 Outstanding Board Member. Patrick joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2017 representing Patterson Technology Center. During his tenure, he has served in leadership roles to include Special Events Chair, and most recently Campaign Chair, in addition to serving on the Grants Committee.
Other business included seating six new and renewing directors for the 2019 Board of Directors. New members include: Kayla Duncan - West & Company, Larry O’Dell - Community Member and Monica Schumacher - Midland States Bank. Those serving another term include; Marty Watson - Ameren, Misty Campos - HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Shanta Will - West & Company.
Special thanks were given to outgoing board members Denise Walk - Patterson Technology Center, Mel Stock - Midland States Bank and Roy Shelley - Koerner Distributor.
(THE INCOMING, RENEWING AND OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS OF UNITED WAY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY)
Pacesetter Companies were also recognized. These are companies that have conducted an employee campaign, made a corporate donation, and purchased a table at the United Way Witches Ball. Over 85% of the annual campaign is generated from employee campaigns. They include: Agracel, Ameren, Consolidated Communications, Crossroads Bank, Dieterich Bank, HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company and Stevens Industries.
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 and Niemerg’s Steakhouse. Bronze level businesses, raising $2,500 - $4,999, include: Fifth Third Bank, Washington Savings Bank and West & Company.
(GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE HONOREES)
Other local businesses that conducted an employee campaign were also honored: Consolidated Communications, Continental Mills, Crossroads Bank, Effingham County employees, Federal Express, First Financial Bank of Newton, First National Bank of Waterloo, Hodgson Mill, John Boos & Company, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, LSC Communications, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Senior Services of Effingham County and United Fidelity Bank of St. Elmo.
Twenty four local partner agencies will receive funding from the 2018 United Way of Effingham County campaign: Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois, Boy Scouts of America - Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Crisis Nursery, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Meal on Wheels of CEFS, 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.
Special thanks were offered to everyone who contributed to the 2018 campaign and helped exceed the campaign goal of $315,000. The campaign officially closed on January 31, 2018 and finished at $346,239.
For more information about United Way of Effingham County, please call (217) 342-3824 or visit www.effinghamunitedway.org.