Savannah, GA (May 21, 2009) – Whether it’s dialing dozens of phone calls, making personal visits, signing hundreds of letters or sending updates via email, members of the 2009 United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Cabinet are doing everything they can with one end result in mind: a reinvestment of millions of dollars into the wellness of the Coastal Empire community.

This year’s United Way annual fundraising campaign is led by long-time community member and well-respected leader Jeff Kole.  Mr. Kole, President of Kole Management Company, is a dedicated United Way volunteer, serving in various capacities including the Campaign Cabinet and United Way Board of Directors. 

“I am honored, humbled and energized to lead this year’s campaign,” Kole said.  “It is a very rewarding experience to help others who need a helping hand.  With everyone’s help, I know we can achieve meaningful results and fulfill bold goals which will ensure a stronger and healthier community.”

As the United Way campaign chair, Kole will challenge the community to build the critical resources capable of advancing the common good for all those living in the Coastal Empire by asking them to LIVE UNITED: Give, Advocate, Volunteer for the United Way.

Under the direction of Jeff Kole, 56 volunteers gathered together to begin the “behind the scenes” preparations for the upcoming campaign.  These cabinet members first met on Wednesday, May 20 to set the strategic vision and goals for United Way’s community wide fundraising campaign.

Campaign Cabinet members recruit additional volunteers to work within their respective divisions.  They meet once a month formally to provide feedback and progress updates on their assigned division.  They also develop and implement plans to support the overall objectives of the campaign.

United Way is set to kick-off this year’s campaign on Thursday, September 10 at 11:45 a.m. at the Savannah Civic Center.  Funds raised by the United Way campaign will help support over 100 community programs and services in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

For more information or to get involved with the United Way campaign, please contact Julie Cyr, Vice President of Resource Development, at 912.651.7714 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

::View a complete list of United Way's Campaign Cabinet members::