United Way launches $5M campaign to ‘Shine a Spotlight’ on community needs

EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) - United Way of the Coastal Empire has launched its 2027 Community Fund campaign with a $5 million fundraising goal.

Nearly 200 community leaders gathered Wednesday at the Clarence E. Morgan Recreation Complex in Effingham County to begin the campaign, led locally by Effingham County Campaign Chair Jeannie Lane of Queensborough Bank.

This year’s theme, “Shine a Spotlight,” calls attention to community needs that may go unnoticed, the nonprofit organizations working to address them and neighbors who could be one unexpected challenge away from needing assistance.

“The Community Fund gives us the flexibility to look across our entire region, understand where the greatest needs and opportunities are and bring the right people to the table,” United Way President and CEO Kimberly Waller said.

All money raised through the Community Fund will be reinvested across United Way’s five-county service region.

Sixteen local businesses launched early employee-giving campaigns as Pacesetters, helping the organization begin with $843,265 already pledged.

United Way also presented the Clarence E. Morgan Community Spirit Award to Rebecca H. Boston, recognizing her decades of service to children, families, seniors and vulnerable residents in Effingham County.

Three Effingham County schools and programs were also recognized for their fundraising efforts:

• Creekside Elementary School: Chairman’s Award for achieving a 100% increase in giving
• STARS - Rincon: Caring Cup for reaching 53% staff participation
• Rincon Learning Center: Generosity Award for the largest per-person contribution, averaging $256

The kickoff was presented by Evans General Contractors and sponsored by Effingham Health System, Georgia-Pacific and Georgia Power.

For more information about the campaign or Community Fund, visit here.