Team Savannah sets $142,912 fundraising goal for United Way of the Coastal Empire

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - City of Savannah employees and leadership gathered at City Hall on Monday morning to kick off their annual workplace giving campaign benefiting the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Rallying under this year’s theme, “Shine a Spotlight,” municipal department heads and staff joined United Way leaders to mark the official start of the internal drive.

United Way of the Coastal Empire President and CEO Kimberly Waller praised the longstanding collaboration between municipal workers and the community.

“We’re here with our partners of the City of Savannah for their kickoff of their United Way campaign,” Waller said. “It’s an opportunity for the community to continue giving back and continue caring for our neighbors and our residents. It’s just a great partnership with the city.”

During the kickoff, Mayor Van R. Johnson II unveiled an initial target of $142,140 — up from last year’s $138,000 goal — before invoking “executive privilege” following Savannah’s recent 912 Day to raise the goal to $142,912 in honor of the local area code.

“The power of partnership is exemplified when Team Savannah puts our money where our mouths are,” Johnson said. “I encourage each of our more than 2,600 employees to make the choice to give, no matter the amount. Every contribution matters, and together, our giving becomes something far greater than any one of us.”

Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young, joined by city campaign co-chairs and planners, underscored the community-wide impact of employee contributions.

“The City of Savannah is proud to support the United Way of the Coastal Empire,” Young said. “United Way serves the same families and communities we at the city serve on a daily basis, so giving to them is giving to our community.”

The city’s campaign feeds into United Way’s broader $5 million Community Fund goal, which supports nonprofit programs, 211 assistance, and social safety-net resources across Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties.

According to city officials, Team Savannah has contributed more than $1 million to the United Way since 2018.