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United Way Honors Stars of the 2007 Campaign
With all the glitz and glitter of a true Hollywood affair, United Way wrapped up the 2007 fundraising campaign in style. United Way wears many hats, so it was only fitting that Marianne Frederick, a humorist and motivational speaker, was invited to speak at its Annual Meeting on February 26. In a fruit-topped, Carmen Miranda type turban, Ms. Frederick led applause for the real STARS of the day - all the volunteers and contributors who worked so tirelessly during 2007 to raise funds for the United Way campaign.
This year, with no fundraising goal announced, companies and private donors were encouraged to give as much as they could. Amid all the current economic concerns, the folks in the CSRA rallied to raise $4,321,409. This kind of generosity speaks volumes to the CSRA's spirit of giving. These dollars are allocated to almost 60 local health and human service programs that help at-risk youth, victims of violence, senior citizens, or just neighbors who need a hand-up.
It's never too late to give. There are still many opportunities to contribute sponsorship dollars for United Way events, trainings, publications, etc. or volunteer your time. For a list of available sponsorship opportunities, please Click Here.
Company Highlights:
· Procter and Gamble Manufacturing Company (P&G) hosted an outstanding campaign this year. The generosity of the P&G employees is apparent as contributions consistently grow from year to year. On October 22, P&G employees pledged $66,590. Along with the corporate match, P&G raised over $104,700 for the United Way Campaign.
· Thanks largely to the Comcast leadership team, more than half of the company's population donated over $10,000 to the United Way Community Fund in 2007. The total employee and corporate contribution totaled over $15,000.
· Club Car hosted an exceptional campaign and announced a generous corporate match incentive to the employees. The total amount of employee donations, along with the corporate gift, totaled $43,871.
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| 2007 Combined Federal Campaign |
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The 2007 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of the CSRA raised over $720,000 to improve life here and around the world. The CFC Board extends a sincere thank you to everyone who participated. The VA Medical Center and Department of Energy both experienced record-breaking years in 2007. Not only are the funds they raise among the highest in the area, but they also continue to lead other local federal agencies in employee participation. With employee participation rates above 40%, these agencies prove that no gift is too small when combined with the gifts of other employees committed to making a difference.
The Board of Directors for the CFC is planning a fantastic 2008 campaign. This year, CFC will be developing a website complete with on-line giving to better serve our generous donors. This should be launched late summer in plenty of time for the September 4 campaign kickoff.
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Electrolux Named Spirit of Community Award Winner
The first annual Spirit of Community Award was recently awarded to Electrolux Major Appliance Company. This traveling award will be presented each year to a company that exemplifies strong participation, high employee and corporate per capita giving, strong leadership giving, and overall volunteerism within the community.
 Electrolux demonstrated all of these characteristics by running a stellar campaign in 2007. Football was the theme for this year's kickoff. Appliances, football tickets, and a tailgate party were a few of the incentives offered to encourage employees to turn in their pledge cards quickly. Electrolux enjoyed the competition and great prizes, but what they remembered most was what the game was all about - touching the lives of local people in need through United Way.
(Mark Maund, 2007 Campaign Chair, presents award to Tina McQuay of Electrolux.) | | |
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Ed Enoch Named Volunteer of the Year |
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 Mr. J. Edward Enoch, Jr. was recently awarded the 2007 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award by Tom Tynan, Vice President of Southern Nuclear Operating Company - Plant Vogtle.
Mr. Enoch, who was nominated by The Family Y, is an active leader in the Augusta community where he is involved with a number of charities and civic organizations including The Family Y, United Way of the CSRA, Golden Harvest Food Bank, The Community Foundation for the CSRA, Augusta South Rotary Club, Augusta-Aiken Society of Human Resource Managers, and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, to name a few.
Mr. Tynan commended Mr. Enoch for his service to those in need, his professional expertise, and his reputation for achieving results. Mr. Tynan presented Mr. Enoch with a check for $2,750 to be donated to his charity of choice.
Also nominated for this prestigious award were Bill Bohling, Towanna Godowns, Chess Howard Jr., and Hardi Jones.
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Women Gather for a Cause
The Women in Philanthropy initiative was launched in a big way on March 19 at the Augusta Country Club. What began as a small group hoping to have 10 founders and ultimately 100 contributors turned into what will most likely be 100 founders encouraging their friends to participate!
The luncheon that sparked this philanthropic initiative was hosted by The Community Foundation of the CSRA in collaboration with United Way of the CSRA. Leading the way are Co-Chairs, Beth Evans and Carolyn Maund. Their Mission: To create an  awareness of the needs of women in the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia and South Carolina, to educate women about philanthropic opportunities, and to empower them to invest annually in funds restricted for the unique needs of women.
(Dr. Faye Hargrove spoke on "Paying It Forward.")
Look for more good news on this group in the very near future; and if you have any questions, please contact LaVerne Gold at (706) 724-5544 or lgold@uwcsra.org. |
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Outcomes Training Continues at United Way
Thanks to a partnership with The Salvation Army, United Way hosted a nationally recognized outcomes facilitator the week of March 10, 2008. Agencies had the opportunity to meet with the facilitator and improve the outcomes processes for their programs.
The training was a continuation of United Way's transition to becoming an outcome-focused organization. An outcome is a sustained, measurable change in individual lives. The focus of everyone's work is to bring about a meaningful and measurable change in the lives of the individuals served. By measuring outcomes, United Way can track and report our impact in the community more effectively.
Getting to the point of using outcome performance data in funding decisions as a measure of program effectiveness typically takes three to five years. An Outcomes Committee has been formed by United Way to oversee the transition of this process, and training of community partners as well as United Way staff and Board has begun. United Way looks forward to this exciting transition! |
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Agency Spotlight -
Safe Homes of Augusta |
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Every nine seconds a woman is abused in the state of Georgia. An unbelievable statistic that is unfortunately true. But for some, an escape can be found.
Take for example, Sue*. Sue entered into Safe Homes of Augusta, bruised, beaten, and emotionally destroyed. After a late night beating she had enough, and she and her two young children, made their way to Safe Homes where she found refuge.
During her stay, Sue began picking up the pieces of her life. She continued working full-time, either taking the bus or walking to work, and never missing a day. She also was very diligent about attending her support group and classes offered by Safe Homes. Within a few weeks, Sue was approved for transitional housing and moved into her own apartment. A few months later, Sue received a car which was donated to Safe Homes. Overwhelmed with joy, Sue and her children could not believe their good fortune. Today, instead of living in fear, they are living with hope.
Your donations make it possible for agencies like Safe Homes to help families regain a new lease on life.
* Name has been changed for the protection of the individual.
For more info regarding Safe Homes Click Here. |
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Upcoming Events
2008 Project Serve
April 25, 2008
National Volunteer Week
April 20-26, 2008
2008 Burke County Campaign Kickoff
August 2008
(More info soon.)
2008 CSRA Campaign Kickoff
August 25, 2008
Bell Auditorium |
Caring Club® Merchant Update
United Way is sorry to say goodbye to the following Caring Club® Merchants:
· HallmarkFlowers.com
· Sassy Lady Boutique
· T & K Menswear
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Project Serve Coming Soon
On Friday, April 25, 2008, over 150 volunteers will converge on local non-profit organizations to assist with painting, landscaping, and other much-needed projects through United Way's annual Day-of-Caring event.
Click Here for more information and to see photos of volunteers in action.
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Turn to 2-1-1
2-1-1 connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in our communities, 24-hours per day and 365 days per year. It is a single access point for everyday needs and in times of crisis. In 2007 alone, over 10,000 2-1-1 calls were made for information and referral to several hundred agencies throughout the CSRA.
For one caller, a 2-1-1 referral to a local agency made it possible to access affordable housing. The assistance she received made it possible for her to live close to her new found employment without additional issues of transportation.
Another recent 2-1-1 referral made it possible for a homeless, disabled person to receive assistance with a long distance bus ticket back to his hometown. His family had lost touch with him and was most anxious to have him return to them.
When you're in need of assistance and don't know where to turn - dial 2-1-1. |
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Born Learning Tip
Bedtime should follow a consistent schedule. For example, bath, teeth brushing, bedtime story, nightlight, kiss good night, and sleep. A consistent routine helps children learn to go to sleep by themselves.
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Caring Club® Participating Merchant Highlight:
Amelia's Buds & Blooms Florist
For 23 years, Amelia's Buds & Blooms Florist has been providing beautiful arrangements to businesses, families and individuals in the CSRA and nationwide.
Amelia Pate, once a Richmond County high school educator, had a dream to one day become a florist. It was not until January 1985 that her dream came true when she opened for business. For 19 years she has set up shop on the familiar section of Washington Road, adjacent to Wild Wing Café.
With three other staff members, the shop prides itself on personal service and quality work. From small arrangements to large works of floral art, Amelia's offers a wide range of creative and custom pieces.
Amelia's Buds & Blooms was one of the first vendors in the CSRA to become a Caring Club® Participating Merchant and offers 15% off all purchases and orders. |
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United Way of the CSRA
630 Ellis Street
P. O. Box 1724
Augusta, GA 30903
(706) 724-5544
Fax (706) 724-5541
www.uwcsra.org | | |
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