United Way kicks off 2027 campaign

United Way of the Coastal Empire kicks off 2027 campaign
Campaign Chair Cecilia Tran Arango introduces “Shine a Spotlight” theme

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Sept. 10, 2026) — United Way of the Coastal Empire kicked off its 2027 campaign Thursday at the Savannah Convention Center, bringing together nearly 700 community leaders to celebrate the start of this year’s fundraising efforts. The campaign is led by campaign chair Cecilia Tran Arango, principal and marketing director at Thomas & Hutton. The 2027 theme, “Shine a Spotlight,” highlights the people, partnerships and programs helping strengthen communities across the Coastal Empire.

‘Shine a Spotlight’ is an invitation to look closer at the people and needs in our community that may not always be visible,” said Arango. “United Way helps us see the needs that are often hidden in plain sight, the nonprofits doing the hard work every day and our neighbors who may be one unexpected challenge away from needing help. They’re not looking for a spotlight. They’re looking for stability and a path forward.

This year’s campaign will focus on increasing support for the Community Fund, which helps United Way respond to the region’s most pressing needs and invest in solutions that strengthen local communities. United Way announced a dedicated Community Fund goal of $5 million at the kickoff. All funds raised will be reinvested across the five-county region.

Sixteen local businesses launched early employee giving campaigns as Pacesetters, helping United Way begin this year’s campaign with $843,265 already pledged to the Community Fund. Participating businesses include BankSouth, Chatham Steel, Colonial Group Inc., Critz Auto Group, Dixie Plywood and Lumber Co., Effingham County Board of Education, Liberty County Board of Education, Peeples Industries Inc., Pembroke Advanced Communications, Pinnacle Financial Partners + Synovus, Reiser & Reiser, Savannah Speech and Hearing, Senior Citizens Inc., Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, Thomas & Hutton and United Way of the Coastal Empire.

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,” said Kimberly Waller, United Way of the Coastal Empire president and CEO. “Together, we can invest in solutions that address immediate needs while also creating lasting change in our communities.

In addition to launching the campaign, United Way recognized three honorees through the Craig Harney Spirit of Philanthropy Awards, celebrating their commitment to giving, advocacy and volunteerism. This year’s honorees are:

Giving: J C Lewis Foundation Inc

Advocacy: Eli Vandiver

Volunteering: Doris Williams

United Way also recognized its county award recipients, honoring individuals who demonstrate a commitment to service, generosity and community leadership. Recipients are Kacy Vance, recipient of the Jimmy Burnsed Community Spirit Award in Bryan County; Rebecca Boston, recipient of the Clarence E. Morgan Community Spirit Award in Effingham County; and Ena Wilson, recipient of the James “Bobby” Ryon Community Spirit Award in Liberty County. Each recipient will be formally honored at an upcoming event in their respective county.

The kickoff was presented by Evans General Contractors and sponsored by Colonial Group Inc., Georgia Ports Authority, Gulfstream, Publix, Memorial Health, the Savannah Convention Center, SCAD, Stagefront, BankSouth, Coca-Cola, Critz Auto Group, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, Thomas & Hutton and Truist.

To learn more about the 2027 campaign, the Community Fund or United Way of the Coastal Empire’s work across the region, visit uwce.org/campaign.