United Way Sets $320,000 Goal for 2023 Campaign

United Way of Effingham County has once again set a campaign goal of $320,000 for 2023.

The goal was announced by local attorney Lindsay Wantuck, who is serving as campaign chair. Greg Sapp spoke with her after the luncheon...

20 local partner agencies will benefit from this year's campaign. They include Altamont After School Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Illinois, Boy Scouts Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, El Shaddai Homes, Enduring Freedom Ministries, Family Mental Health Support, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Illinois Deer Donation Program, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, One Hope United, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now), and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

(MICHELLE FOMBELLE)

Those gathered for the kickoff luncheon heard from United Way Chief Professional Officer Emily Hille, Wantuck and United Way Board President Jon Frohning of Pro Rehab. Greg spoke with Jon about his involvement with United Way...

Also speaking was Bernie Blanchette of Koerner Distributor, the lead pacesetter that will serve as an example for other businesses and industries wishing to conduct their own employee fundraising efforts, and Michelle Fombelle of U of I Extension, who spoke on behalf of Illinois Deer Donation Program, one of the agencies that will benefit from this year's campaign.

(BERNIE BLANCHETTE)

Hille said everyone works together to raise money for the agencies that in turn help those in need. Greg spoke with her after the event...

A variety of special events are scheduled to help with the fundraising. Those will include the Jennings Labor Day Party this Friday evening, the Witches Ball scheduled in October, and some special offers from several local businesses with the proceeds going to United Way.

For more information, phone the United Way office in Effingham at 217-342-3824.