United Way Raises Funds for Crucial Transportation Needs

SAVANNAH, GA. (March 5, 2024) –  United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Women Who Rule event, held at the Savannah Convention Center, raised record-breaking funds for critical transportation needs across four Coastal Empire counties. The Women Who Rule campaign raised a total of more $91,500 to date with net proceeds benefitting the Women United Transportation Fund. With nearly a thousand guests in attendance, $27,500 of that amount was raised during the annual luncheon, chaired by Diana Morrison of Ad Specialty.

The Women United Transportation Fund supports residents across our region who need dependable transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments, and access critical resources.

“Reliable transportation is key to helping our neighbors not only survive but thrive,” says Diana Morrison, Women Who Rule Campaign Chair. “I am grateful for the more than 30 women who volunteered their time and talents this year on the 2024 Women Who Rule Committee and all of those who supported the cause to make this year’s event a success. Thanks to their commitment, more women and caregivers throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties will receive transportation assistance in the form of gas cards, bus passes, and minor car repairs.”

Presented by Step One Automotive Group, the event honored trailblazer and longtime United Way supporter and volunteer Carol Bell as the 2024 United Way “Woman of the Year.” Bell was honored for her long history of dedicated service to United Way. She was the first African American board chair in 1998 and has continued to give, advocate, and volunteer to support the organization ever since. Bell broke barriers in 1976 as the first African American female manager for the City of Savannah, retiring in 2011 as Central Services Director and transitioning to become a City Councilwoman. Her extensive community involvement spans leadership roles in various organizations, including the Governor’s Children and Youth Coordinating Council, the United Negro College Fund’s telethon, and esteemed groups like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Links, Savannah Chapter. The Woman of the Year award was presented by SERVPRO of Savannah.

 The luncheon also featured three outstanding community leaders as panelists. Guests enjoyed a conversation with Chatham Area Transit Authority Chief Executive Officer Faye DiMassimo, State Transportation Board of Georgia Vice Chairman Ann Purcell, and United Way of the Coastal Empire 211 Director Ariane Wallace.

Diana Morrison is a dedicated local business leader who has devoted 36 years to helping businesses create customized promotional products through her firm, Ad Specialty Services. Along with her business responsibilities, Diana is dedicated to community service. She has been involved with United Way for decades, having served on the board of directors for nine years. She was a founding member of the Women United Committee and Women Who Rule event and remains actively engaged today by serving on the organization’s Marketing Committee. Diana is a member of many area organizations and is a proud Rotarian. She is also a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Southeast Georgia.