what matters.Ū
October 2007

         Volume 1, Edition 4                   

In this Issue:
 

Vegas Escape Luncheon

 

Burke County Kickoff

 

2007 Campaign Update

 

Combined Federal Campaign

 

2007 Loaned Professionals


Caring ClubŪ
 Update

 
Caring ClubŪ
Participating Merchant Spotlight

 

Agency Spotlight

 

Important Dates

 

United Way 2-1-1

 

Project Serve

 

Born Learning Tip

 

Sponsorships Available

 

 
IMPORTANT DATES
 

A Fall Affair

October 25, 2007

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Enterprise Mill

 

Tocqueville Society Reception

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

7:30 p.m.

Home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Blanton

 

2008 Annual Meeting

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites

 

2008 Project Serve

Friday, April 25, 2008

 

 United Way 2-1-1

Each day, individuals in the CSRA turn to 2-1-1, United Way's 24/7 helpline, for information regarding available resources in our community.

Did you know?:

· 2-1-1 can help eligible families find Christmas assistance for their children.

· 2-1-1 will help you find available volunteer opportunities in our community.
 
· 2-1-1 can help a working parent find an after-school program.

· 2-1-1 received 1,200 calls from individuals in our local community in August 2007!
 

Get Connected. Get Answers. Call      2-1-1 TODAY! Cell phone users should dial 706-826-1495.

 
 

 

Project Serve

Do you want to make a hands-on difference?  Then sign up now to participate in United Way's Project Serve Day-of-Caring on Friday, April 25, 2008! 

You'll have the opportunity to help local agencies with painting, landscaping, repairs, and basic construction.  It doesn't matter your skill level, there is a project for everyone! 
 
This is a wonderful opportunity for any company, civic club or other organization.  Click here to contact Brooke Howell for more information. 
 
To see pictures from last year's event, click here.

Born Learning - Tip of the Month

When walking in the mall, through the park, or just sitting in the yard this fall, did you know you can make it a learning time for your child? 
 
Name the things your baby looks at or is interested in. When your toddler sees a car or a dog, tell him/her the sound it makes.  Make up rhymes with your preschooler about what you see. 
 
For more information on Born Learning ideas and educational materials, CALL 2-1-1 or visit

Sponsorships Still Available

United Way is seeking sponsorships for several initiatives and events for 2007 and 2008. 
 
For a list of available sponsorship opportunities, please CLICK HERE.   Please contact LaVerne Gold at (706) 724-5544 if you are interested in sponsoring an upcoming event or initiative.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Way of the CSRA
630 Ellis Street
Augusta, GA 30901
(706) 724-5544
Fax (706) 724-5541
United Way

Kicks-off Campaign at

"Vegas Escape Luncheon"
 
United Way hosted over 600 guests at the 2007 "Vegas Escape" Campaign Kickoff on Monday, August 27, at Bell Auditorium.  Amidst the excitement of the event, several "showgirls" from the Ballroom Dance Center showed up to have their pictures taken with guests, and Mrs. Christan Barnett, Ms. Tamara Ezzell and Mrs. Lisa McCullom passed-out poker chips to guests.  Mr. Jeff Barnes, Elvis Tribute Artist, awed the crowd with his appearance as he performed several of Elvis' songs, and Mayor Deke Copenhaver was on hand to present a Proclamation naming August 27 as "United Way Day" in Augusta. 
 
Mr. Mark Maund, 2007 Campaign Chair, challenged everyone to consider giving back to the community through their support of United Way.  He shared that United Way would not be setting a campaign goal this year but instead would be asking everyone to give as much as they can to help meet the needs of the community.  He encouraged everyone to step-up their contribution for 2007 and consider becoming a Caring ClubŪ member. 
 
Donors who give $12 a month ($144/year) undesignated are qualified to receive a Caring ClubŪ card which entitles them to receive discounts from over 40 area businesses and restaurants.  Mr. Maund said, "It's a win/win situation - a win for those in our community who will be helped by your contribution, and a win for you with the discounts and freebies you receive from the Caring ClubŪ.  Now, that is 'Betting on a Sure Thing!'  You won't get those odds, or benefits, in Las Vegas or anywhere else."
 
To see more pictures from the Campaign Kickoff Luncheon, CLICK HERE.
 
 
Buke County Kickoff Hosts Over 150 Community and Business Leaders

United Way of the CSRA's 6th Annual Burke County Kickoff was a great success!  On Wednesday, August 8, 2007, nearly 150 guests attended this event at the Augusta Technical College, Waynesboro Campus.  Meredith Anderson with WRDW News 12 acted as emcee of the event and asked all in attendance to "Bet on a Sure Thing" as they support United Way for the 2007 campaign.

 
 
With the generosity of the event sponsor, Southern Nuclear Operating Company; invitation sponsor, Capital City Bank; and facility sponsor, Augusta Technical College, Waynesboro Campus; guests enjoyed a "Las Vegas" themed event. Guest speaker, Dr. Faye Hargrove of Hargrove Leadership Services, spoke to the group about the importance of "Paying It Forward." 
 
 

United Way Campaign In Full Swing

The 2007 United Way Campaign is off to a terrific start.  The Campaign Cabinet and Staff made numerous CEO visits during the summer months.  Since Kickoff, the Loaned Professionals and Campaign Staff have been making presentations, setting up appointments with Employee Campaign Manager's and attending Agency Tours with companies from across the CSRA.  Over 70 presentations have been made this campaign season, compared to approximately 40 last year at this time.  In addition, four Employee Campaign Manager Workshops were held in Augusta and in Burke County. 

New Donor Designation Policy

United Way of the CSRA does not encourage designations, however, designations made to 501c(3) health and human service nonprofit agencies will be processed as a service to our donors.  Designations must be $150 or greater in order to be processed.  Each designation under $150 will be directed to the Community Investment Fund.

Together, through United Way, the community can make an impact that no one person can accomplish alone.  With your support, a difference can be made in the CSRA.  United Way's staff is here to assist each business have a successful and rewarding campaign.  Please call the office at (706) 724-5544 if assistance is needed.

Combined Federal Campaign Kicks-Off
 
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has kicked-off its most ambitious campaign season ever with a goal of $900,000.  To get the word out, Fort Gordon sponsored an area-wide CFC kick-off at Alexander Hall on September 6, 2007.  Liz Smith from WAGT TV 26 emceed the event, and over 20 charitable organizations were on-site to meet potential donors and share information about the services provided in our community.
 
Local organizations including the VA Medical Center, Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Post Office will all sponsor intra-agency campaigns. 
 
Over 2,000 charities are represented in the 2007 Combined Federal Campaign, and over 100 of these are local and Georgia agencies.  To learn more about the charities in the CFC, consult your 2007 CFC Resource Guide or contact Julie Kennedy at (706) 826-1487.
 

Six Loaned Professionals Join United Way for 2007 Campaign


 
It's hard to believe the 2007 Loaned Professionals (LP's) have been hard at work for almost six weeks now.  Through the volunteer
 
(From Left to Right: Larry Laughlin, Nancy Szocinski, Billy Chambers)
 
leadership of Phil Caldwell, District Manager of Publix Super Markets, United Way has recruited a hard working team of LP's to help run this year's campaign.  From early morning presentations to dozens of tours and speaking opportunities, the LP's are excited about making a positive change in the community.

Without the generous support of Mr. Caldwell, as well as the sponsoring companies who have generously allowed one of their employees to work with United Way for 12 weeks, United Way could not impact so many throughout the CSRA through our Partner Agencies.  This year's sponsors are Georgia Bank & Trust; Georgia Power Company; Publix LPsSuper Markets, Inc.; Quebecor; University Health Care System; and U.S. Department of Energy.  Please join United Way

(From Left to Right: Elmer Pickett, Collins Lee, Mack Thomas)
 
In thanking these companies and individuals for their commitment. 
 
If you have not heard from a United Way representative about running a campaign, please contact United Way at (706) 724-5544. 

 

Caring ClubŪ  Doubles In Size!
 
Caring Club logoThe Caring ClubŪ program, currently in its second year of rewarding donors, has seen an increase in the list of Participating Merchants.  To be exact, all card-carrying members can now enjoy discounts at 44 different merchant locations, more than double from last year!  Businesses across the CSRA have been eager to become involved, and the list continues to be impressive; from hair salons to restaurants, home refurnishing stores to boutiques, the list has everything one might want or need.

 So remember, use that Caring ClubŪ card this year and get REWARDED!

United Way is delighted to welcome the following Caring ClubŪ Participating Merchants:

· Adventure Crossing
· Anderson Photo, Inc.
· Augusta Symphony
· Café 209
· Countersync, Inc.
· evoke, a massage therapy studio
· HallmarkFlowers.com
· La Dolce Vita Salon & Spa
· Ladybug's Flowers & Gifts
· Midtown Threds
· Modish Salon & Spa
    -Patty Thelen, Owner & Stylist
    -Toni Horton, Color Specialist
· Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings
· Pastel on Central
· Roly Poly Sandwiches
· Sassy Lady Boutique
· Shanhil Sweets
· Simply Daisies
· Sixth at Watkins
· Surface Solutions- Granite/Zodiac Countertops
· Sonic
· Sticky Fingers
· T & K Menswear
· Thrifty Car Rental
· Villa, a design firm
· Waynesboro Emporium
For a complete listing of
Caring ClubŪ  Participating Merchants, please visit http://www.uwcsra.org/campaign/caringclub.shtml
Caring ClubŪ 
Participating Merchant Spotlight:
Adventure Crossing

United Way is very excited to welcome Adventure Crossing to the list of Caring ClubŪ  Participating Merchants! 

Offering the CSRA's largest arcade center, 36 holes of miniature golf, batting cages, and three go-kart tracks, it is the premiere family fun and sports park in the area! 
 
Adventure Crossing not only provides fun to kids of all ages, but the park caters to a wide range of events; from birthdays to team building activities, private rooms are available and the staff is always available to help make the event a success!
 
 
Caring ClubŪ Discount:
Purchase a 2 hr. armband for $16.00+ tax (reg. price $24.99),
Purchase a 3 hr. armband for $20.00 + tax (reg. price 29.99)

                AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
        Girls Incorporated of the CSRA

 
Angela, a student at John Milledge Elementary School, was a young girl with low self-esteem and a troubled home life.  Her dad had been recently incarcerated, and her mother now found herself alone, a single parent trying to make ends meet.  She needed to work in order to provide food, clothing and shelter for herself and her young daughter, but she couldn't; she had no one to keep Angela each afternoon after school.  She needed help if she was going to make it alone. 
 
Angela's school referred them to Girls Incorporated where Angela entered its after-school program.  Because of United Way funding, Girls Inc. accepted Angela into their program at no cost to her mother, which in turn freed her up to find employment. 
 
Angela began to participate in Girls Inc. programming that aided in her development and also assisted her with her academic struggles in school.  She attended their self-esteem courses as well as conflict resolution and violence prevention courses.  Through the support of the staff and training at Girls Inc., Angela's mother has seen a tremendous change in her daughter; her self-esteem has greatly improved, she laughs a lot now, and she's found a place where she is loved, nurtured and cared for each day after school.  Because of United Way funding, Angela is a much happier, well-adjusted child, and her mother is thankful for the changes she sees in her daughter.