Gold / Silver / Bronze Businesses – Seated L to R: Peggy Valenti, Denise Walk, Beth Funneman, Leslie Eckert, Shanta Will, Kayla Duncan, Kelsey Goeckner. Standing L to R: Rick Siemer, Henry Siemer, Rachel Miller, Mel Stock, Chelsey Koester, Lora Bergfeld, Alice Mulvaney, Monica Schumacher, Jane Summers, Sharon Harper, Greg Schumacher, Lynn Higgs, Paul Rogers, Theresa Harner, Lisa Koerner, Marty Watson, Katie Smithenry, Patrick Kreke. Photo courtesy of the United Way of Effingham County.
EFFINGHAM, IL-(Effingham Radio)- United Way of Effingham County had a successful 2018 campaign, and raised $346,239. This was the second highest amount raised in the history of United Way of Effingham County, and was announced at the Annual Meeting that was held on February 4, 2019 at the Effingham Events Center in Effingham. The campaign officially closed on 1/31/19.
The winners of the 2018 Spirit of Caring Awards were announced, and the businesses were also honored who achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze status. Siemer Milling Company was also recognized as the “Lead Pacesetter” company, partner agencies and review of the 2018 Campaign were also highlighted. Many were on hand to celebrate the success of the 2018 Campaign!
The Spirit of Caring Awards recognize individuals who are committed citizens and organizations that stand out, those who make an impact on the campaign, while others give countless hours to improve the quality of life in Effingham County.
Spirit of Caring Award Winners:
Outstanding Volunteer – Kohl’s / Kohl’s Cares
L to R: Vicki Blacker, Dave Sauerwein, Linda Hemmen, Janelle Cain, Daylene Johnson, Gail Esker. Photo courtesy of the United Way of Effingham County.
Kohl’s / Kohl’s Cares was named 2018 Outstanding Volunteer. In honor of “Giving Tuesday”, United Way of Effingham County was awarded $10,000 from Kohl’s / Kohl’s Cares. More than 300 organizations nationwide received this grant, and United Way was fortunate Kohl’s took the time to nominate United Way of Effingham County for this grant. Kohl’s employees have also been instrumental with helping at the United Way Witches Ball.
Ameren was named 2018 Outstanding Organization. Throughout the years, Ameren has been a big supporter of United Way. They began their first campaign in 2000 raising $13,716 and have grown their campaign throughout the years, by raising over $34,000 with the most recent campaign! Ameren shows their support throughout the year by attending United Way events, and having a representative on the Board of Directors.
Patrick Kreke was named 2018 Outstanding Board Member. Patrick joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2017 representing Patterson Technology Center. During his tenure, he has served in leadership roles to include Special Events Chair, and most recently Campaign Chair, in addition to serving on the Grants Committee. He graciously shares his time and talents with United Way, and is a true asset to the Board of Directors.
Other businesses included seating six new and renewing directors for the 2019 Board of Directors. New members include: Kayla Duncan – West & Company, Larry O’Dell – Community Member and Monica Schumacher – Midland States Bank. Those serving another term include; Marty Watson – Ameren, Misty Campos – HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Shanta Will – West & Company.
Spirit of Caring Award Winners: Outstanding Organization – Ameren
L to R: Linda Hemmen, Marty Watson, Greg Schumacher. Photo courtesy of the United Way of Effingham County.
Special thanks was given to outgoing board member; Denise Walk – Patterson Technology Center, Mel Stock – Midland States Bank and Roy Shelley – Koerner Distributor.
Pacesetter Companies were also recognized. These are companies who have conducted an employee campaign, made a corporate donation, and purchased a table at the United Way Witches Ball. Over 85% of the annual campaign is generated from employee campaigns. They include: Agracel, Ameren, Consolidated Communications, Crossroads Bank, Dieterich Bank, HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company and Stevens Industries.
Gold, Silver and Bronze level plaques were presented to the businesses based on their campaign totals. Gold level businesses, raising $10,000 or above include: Agracel, Ameren, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company and Stevens Industries. Silver level businesses, raising $5,000 – $9,999 include; Dieterich Bank and Niemerg’s Steakhouse. Bronze level businesses, raising $2,500 – $4,999 include; Fifth Third Bank, Washington Savings Bank and West & Company.
Spirit of Caring Award Winners: Outstanding Board Member – Patrick Kreke
L to R: Linda Hemmen, Patrick Kreke, Marty Watson. Photo courtesy of the United Way of Effingham County.
Other local businesses that conducted an employee campaign were also honored: Consolidated Communications, Continental Mills, Crossroads Bank, Effingham County employees, Federal Express, First Financial Bank of Newton, First National Bank of Waterloo, Hodgson Mill, John Boos & Company, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, LSC Communications, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Senior Services of Effingham County and United Fidelity Bank of St. Elmo.
Twenty four local partner agencies will receive funding from the 2018 United Way of Effingham County campaign: Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois, Boy Scouts of America – Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Crisis Nursery, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Meal on Wheels of CEFS, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), One Hope United, Oneighty, Senior Services of Effingham County, Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies (SAFE), Strategic Training & Restoration (STAR), Stopping Woman Abuse Now (SWAN), and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the 2018 campaign, and helped exceed the 2018 campaign goal of $315,000. The campaign officially closed on January 31, 2018 and finished at $346,239. Many of the United Way Agencies would not be able to provide services to Effingham County residents without the contributions made by local individuals and businesses. For more information about United Way of Effingham County, please call (217) 342-3824 or visit www.effinghamunitedway.org
Incoming / Outgoing/ Returning Board Members – Seated L to R: Mel Stock (Outgoing), Denise Walk (Outgoing) and Roy Shelley (Outgoing)
Standing L to R: Larry O’Dell (Incoming), Kayla Duncan (Incoming), Monica Schumacher (Incoming), Shanta Will (Returning), Marty Watson (Returning) (Unavailable for photo Misty Campos – Returning). Photo courtesy of the United Way of Effingham County.
