Dr. Ryan, Sara Jennings Raise $13,600 For United Way

First row, left to right, Patrick Kreke, Katie Smithenry, Rachel Miller, Sara Jennings, Linda Hemmen, Dr Ryan Jennings, JR Elder, Shanta Will and Ann Beckman. Secondn row, left to right, Marty Watson, Roy Shelley, Michael Defend, Ross Richardson, Mel Stock and James Schultz.

The United Way Board of Directors would like to thank Dr. Ryan & Sara Jennings for their efforts to raise money for United Way of Effingham County.  They held a party at their home on September 1 and raised $13,600.  Special thanks also to Tebbe Excavating, Jeff Frey, Tim Crippen, Chad Arnold, Jack Jennings, Ben Frey, Erica Bierman, Todd Martin, Will Fonner and the many friends and neighbors from Grupe Subdivision and the neighboring subdivisions supporting the event.  This is the 11th year the event was held in support of the United Way.  

Ninety-nine percent of the funds raised stay local.  Twenty-five local partner agencies receive funding from United Way of Effingham County.  They include; Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Illinois - Effingham County, Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts of America - Lincoln Trails Council, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Effingham County, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Sr Volunteer Program (RSVP), Child Advocacy Center of E. Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services,  Effingham County Search & Rescue, Effingham County Youth Commission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, NAMI of Effingham County (National Alliance on Mental Health), One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training & Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.