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Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
United Way of Coastal Empire raised $9 million for region during 2025 campaign
The United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE) announced at a celebration on Tuesday evening that it had raised $9 million through its 2024-25 campaign. Nearly $5 million of that amount will be directed to the United Way's Community Fund, which, in part, channels resources back into the five-county service region by supporting nonprofits that provide services, such as affordable childcare, stable housing and financial empowerment for families. Another nearly $3 million will go towards grants, disaster relief funds and more. 'United Way's mission, as many of us know, is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community,' said UWCE CEO Kimberly Waller during the ceremony held at the Peregrin rooftop bar at the Perry Lane Hotel. 'And we do that by providing a strong safety net for the most vulnerable and creating pathways for upward mobility.' Three Savannah-based corporate donors―Gulfstream Aerospace, Colonial Group and Georgia Ports Authority― contributed more than half a million dollars each to the campaign. Gulfstream alone raised $1 million. 'After storms hit our area this past year, Gulfstream stepped up in a big way when we needed them most,' Waller said. Following the three storms last fall, UWCE activated its Rapid Response Disaster Fund, which, with $1 million in donations, helped provide hot meals to 3,700 people in need. 'This has been an incredible experience, and I'm deeply grateful for everyone who contributed to the success of this year's campaign,' said Yancey Ford, the 2025 campaign chair and Effingham County Schools Superintendent. UWCE kicked off its campaign in September 2024 with several performances from regional high school bands. The annual Turkey Trot, held on the morning of Thanksgiving, broke the event's record by raising more than $50,000 for the community fund. In March, the annual Women Who Rule campaign netted more than $105,000 for the Women United Transportation Fund, more than 25% of that sum was raised during a luncheon—a record-breaking amount that was collected through donations from people in the room. Ansley Franco is a general assignment reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at AFranco@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: United Way of the Coastal Empire raises millions in fundraising campaign
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Way raises $105K for Women United Transportation Fund
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The United Way of the Coastal Empire honored inspirational women today at their Women Who Rule luncheon, highlighting the selfless work several women have done within our community. They're fundraising for the Women United Transportation Fund which helps women in need within our communities get where they need to go. 'It's pretty awesome to see how women in this community mobilize themselves to create solutions,' said Kimberly Waller, CEO and president of the United Way of the Coastal Empire. 'This is just one of those examples but it's a pretty powerful one so I'm pretty honored to be a part of it.' WSAV's own Patty Turner kicked off the event, representing WSAV News 3 as the media sponsor. The fund pays for car repairs, bus passes or filling up gas tanks. 'Doing good isn't always about huge actions,' United Way's Woman of the Year Stacy Jennings said. 'It's about the small everyday moments where we lift each other up.' During the two-hour luncheon, they were able to raise nearly $26,000, while honoring the legendary women that are enriching our community, including Jennings. 'It's surreal, a little overwhelming and incredibly humbling,' said Jennings. 'What a terrific honor from an amazing organization doing absolutely phenomenal work in our community.' Still giddy from the fanfare of being named Woman of the Year, she shared with the audience what it took to win the title, expanding on her 30 plus years with the United Way and work with Savannah Chatham County Public Schools. 'It's about showing up, giving back and making sure that no one in our community is left behind,' said Jennings. United Way is still taking donations to their transportation fund online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
