SAVANNAH, GA (Nov. 27, 2025) – United Way of the Coastal Empire’s 17th annual Turkey…
Campaign Kickoff Highlights New $5.2 Million Community Fund Goal and Honors Local Champions of Service
SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (Sept. 10, 2025) — United Way of the Coastal Empire kicked off its 2026 campaign in Effingham County on Wednesday, Sept.10, at the Clarence E. Morgan Recreation Complex. Community leaders gathered to celebrate the start of this year’s fundraising efforts led by Effingham County campaign chair Trisha Boyett, a financial advisor at Edward Jones.
The 2026 theme, “Join the Journey”, highlights our community’s path toward ensuring that every individual and family in the region has the opportunity to thrive by strengthening support for United Way’s Community Fund.
“I give to the Community Fund because I believe it takes a village to lift people up,” Boyett said. “Whether it’s a neighbor struggling to pay rent, a child needing after-school care, or a family facing food insecurity—we all need a hand sometimes. United Way creates a roadmap for a stronger future where there’s both a safety net for those in crisis and a pathway to opportunity for those who are ready to take the next step.”
In past years, United Way has announced larger fundraising goals that reported all total giving including grants, disaster relief, restricted giving and donations directed to specific causes. This year, the campaign will be laser-focused on increasing support for the Community Fund because it powers United Way’s mission critical work. For the first time in the organization’s history, United Way introduced a dedicated Community Fund goal of $5.2 million that will be reinvested across our five-county region.
Twelve pacesetter businesses launched early employee giving campaigns, collectively committing $809,487 toward the goal. Participating businesses include BankSouth, Chatham Steel Corporation, Colonial Group Inc., Critz Auto Group, Dixie Plywood and Lumber Company, Effingham County Board of Education, Reiser & Reiser LLC, Senior Citizens Inc., Shaw Industries, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard Inc., Thomas & Hutton, and United Way of the Coastal Empire.
“I’ve now been in this role for just over a year, and during this time, what’s stood out most to me is the heart of this community,” shared Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Families are working tirelessly to overcome incredible challenges. Local leaders are driving bold, life-changing work every day. And community supporters like you continue to rise to the occasion, lighting the way with your generosity and unwavering belief in what’s possible.”
In addition to launching the campaign, United Way presented the Clarence E. Morgan Community Spirit Award to Dr. Frances Decker, in recognition of her remarkable career and legacy of service to others.
Dr. Decker moved to Springfield in 1991, where she built a thriving practice known for compassionate care and dedication to patients. Although she retired in 2013, she soon returned to help launch a free clinic in 2015 and has served the community faithfully for the past decade.
United Way also presented the annual Board of Education Awards. This year’s honorees are:
- Blandford Elementary School – Chairman’s Award for the highest increase in giving from the previous year (186% increase)
- Effingham College and Career Academy – Caring Cup for the highest percentage of staff participation (57%)
- South Effingham High School – Generosity Award for the largest per-person campaign contribution ($219 average)
This year’s Effingham County kickoff event was sponsored by Effingham Health System, Georgia-Pacific and Georgia Power. In-kind sponsors include the Effingham County Board of Commissioners, Effingham County Board of Education and the Effingham Herald.
