United Way Announces Buffalo Trace Winner

(FROM LEFT, LINDA HEMMEN, MARTY WATSON, STEVE BONE, JAMES SCHULTZ, LISA KOERNER AND ANN BECKMAN)

United Way of Effingham County Board Members met Wednesday evening at Tuscan Hills Winery to draw the winner of the commemorative bottle of Buffalo Trace from the 6 Millionth Barrel. Steve Bone of Effingham had the winning ticket. United Way of Effingham County was selected to receive a bottle from all the applicants across the US, and received bottle #288 of #400.

A limited number of tickets were sold for a chance to win this commemorative item. The commemorative box included a bottle of Buffalo Trace whiskey from the 6 millionth barrel that had a handwritten description on it, and it came packaged in a hardwood box that included a piece of stave from the 6 millionth barrel and a brochure explaining the significance of this historic barrel.

Funds raised will go to the 2019 campaign to help raise money for 22 local partner agencies; Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Mid Illinois), Boy Scouts - 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 and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.