United Way of Effingham County Announces Spirit of Caring Award Winners

United Way of Effingham County has announced its Spirit of Caring award winners.

The Outstanding Organization award went to Koerner Distributor, Inc. of Effingham. 

(FROM LEFT, PHIL KOERNER, LAURIE MILLER, LISA SCHMITT, LINDA HEMMEN, PAUL KOERNER, PEGGY VALENTI, JORDAN KOERNER, DEAN KREMER, TAMMY OVERBECK AND ROY SHELLEY)

Koerner's first campaign was held in 2002 and has grown through the years. Their most recent campaign raised over $15,500. They also conduct the Barstool Golf fundraiser with proceeds going to United Way. The first such event was held in 2011 and has grown through the years, raising $15,000 at the event. Koerner's donates to various United Way events, have a representative on the United Way Board of Directors, and have held leadership roles on the Board.

The Outstanding Volunteer award went to Niemerg's Steak House of Effingham.

(UNITED WAY CHIEF PROFESSIONAL OFFICER LINDA HEMMEN IS FLANKED BY JASON SANDSCHAFER AND LUKE SANDSCHAFER)

Niemerg's has conducted employee campaigns for many years. Each year, they hold a Chicken to Go promotion where one dollar from each chicken to go sale goes to United Way during a set month. The promotion was held this year despite the pandemic.

The Outstanding Board Member award went to Kayla Duncan of Effingham.

(UNITED WAY CHIEF PROFESSIONAL OFFICER LINDA HEMMEN AND OUTSTANDING BOARD MEMBER KAYLA DUNCAN)

Duncan joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2019 representing West and Company. In her time on the Board, Duncan has served on the Grants, Special Events, and Nominating Committees, and has chaired the Grants and Nominating Committees. She also has served as United Way treasurer since 2020.