Jennings' United Way Party Generates More Than $14,000

(FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: LINDA HEMMEN, DR. RYAN JENNINGS, SARA JENNINGS, JAMES SCHULTZ, PEGGY VALENTI, RACHEL CRACKEL, ANN BECKMAN; BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: LARRY O'DELL, PATRICK KREKE, TONY CRACKEL)

The United Way Board of Directors thanked Dr. Ryan & Sara Jennings for their efforts to raise money for United Way of Effingham County. The Jennings' held a party at their home and raised over $14,300. Special thanks also to Jeff Frey, Tim Crippen, Chad Arnold, Jack Jennings and the many friends and neighbors from Grupe Subdivision and the neighboring subdivisions supporting the event. This is the 13^th year the event was held in support of the United Way, raising over $132,000 to date.

99% of the funds raised stay local. 22 local partner agencies receive funding from United Way of Effingham County. They include: Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Illinois - Effingham County, Boy Scouts of America - Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Sr Volunteer Program (RSVP), Child Advocacy Center of E. Central Illinois, 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, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training & Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.