United Way Again Beats Campaign Goal

United Way of Effingham County is celebrating that the organization has again topped its campaign goal of $300,000 for 2014.

The 2014 campaign officially closed at $315,635.

(SPIRIT OF CARING AWARD RECIPIENTS: OUTSTANDING BOARD MEMBER JUSTIN ROLEY, OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS DR. RYAN AND SARA JENNINGS, AND LESLIE ECKERT AND LYNN HIGGS REPRESENTING OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION AGRACEL, INC.)

The winners of the 2014 Spirit of Caring Awards were announced at United Way's annual meeting, as well as the businesses who achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze status. Southeastern Container was also recognized as the "Lead Pacesetter" company, and partner agencies and a review of the record-setting 2014 campaign were also highlighted.

The Spirit of Caring Awards recognize individuals who are committed citizens and organizations that stand out, giving countless hours to improve the quality of life in Effingham County.

Dr. Ryan and Sara Jennings were named 2014 Outstanding Volunteers. Since 2007, the Jennings' have hosted a Labor Day party featuring food and drinks, live entertainment and a fireworks display. Sara Jennings is also a United Way Board member and has served on the Grant Committee, as well as chairing the Special Events Committee.

Agracel was named the 2014 Outstanding Organization. Agracel has a long history with United Way, making their first donation in 1998. The company raised over $10,000 for 2014 with less than 20 employees.

Justin Roley was named 2014 Outstanding Board Member. He joined the Board in 2013 and wasted no time in becoming an active member. He has held various roles on the Board, serving on the Campaign Committee, Grants Committee, Special Events Committee and the Executive Committee. Roley served as Vice President in 2014 and will be the President this year.

(NEW AND RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS INCLUDE SEATED: LORA BERGFELD, KELSEY GOECKNER AND PEGGY VALENTI AND STANDING: J.R. ELDER, MIKE DEFEND AND LARRY O'DELL {Patty Greene was unavailable for the photo})

Other business included seating new and returning directors. New members include JR Elder of Stevens Industries, Kelsey Goeckner of First National Bank of Dieterich, Larry O'Dell as a community member, Lora Bergfeld of Midland States Bank and Mike Defend of Crossroads Bank. Those serving another term are Patty Greene of Keller Convention Center and Peggy Valenti of Koerner Distributor.

(OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS: WANDA PITCHER, SHEA WALLS, JENNIFER WESTENDORF, LINDA JANSEN AND SARAH LEONARD)

Recognition was given outgoing board members Jennifer Westendorf of Patterson Technology Center, Linda Jansen of Crossroads Bank, Sarah Leonard and Shea Walls of Midland States Bank, and Wanda Pitcher of Tuscan Hills Winery.

Pacesetter Companies were also recognized. They are companies who have conducted an employee campaign, made a corporate donation, and purchased a table at the United Way Gala. Over 85% of the annual campaign is generated from employee campaigns. They include Crossroads Bank, First National Bank of Dieterich, Heartland Dental Care, HMAC (Hitachi Metals Automotive Company), HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Midland States Bank, Patterson Technology Center, Siemer Milling Company and Washington Savings Bank.

Gold, silver and bronze level plaques were presented to the businesses based on their campaign totals.

(GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE LEVEL RECIPIENTS, SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT: LORA BERGFELD, MIKE KLAUSER, KELSEY GOECKNER, AMANDA EMMERICH, PEGGY VALENTI, LESLIE ECKERT, AND ERIC SCHOBER; STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: MIKE DEFEND, J.R. ELDER, BRITTNEY WEST, JANE SUMMERS, BETH MEYER, JENNIFER WESTENDORF, DR. RYAN JENNINGS AND LYNN HIGGS)

Gold level businesses, raising $10,000 or above include: Agracel, Ameren, HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, Koerner Distributor, Midland States Bank, Siemer Milling Company, Southeastern Container and Stevens Industries. Silver level businesses, raising $5,000-$9,999, include Heartland Dental Care, HMAC, Niemerg's Steak House, Patterson Technology Center and Wal-Mart. Bronze level businesses, raising $2,500-$4,999, include Dynegy, Fifth Third Bank, First National Bank of Dieterich, Hodgson Mill and Sherwin Williams Company. There was also recognition given to other local businesses that conducted an employee campaign.

21 local agencies will receive funding from the 2014 campaign: Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois, Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts of America-Lincoln Trails Council, CASA of Effingham County, Catholic Charities, CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition Program, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search and Rescue, Effingham County Youth Commission, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, One Hope United, Oneighty, Senior Services of Effingham County, Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies, Strategic Training and Restoration (STAR), Stopping Woman Abuse Now (SWAN), and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

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, phone 217-342-3824 or visit www.effinghamunitedway.org.