United Way of Effingham County Celebrates Another Successful Campaign

Gold/Silver/Bronze Businesses -- Seated, left to right, Mike Klauser, Lynn Higgs, Leslie Eckert, Laura Brauer and Amanda Emmerich. Standing, left to right, Rick Siemer, Larry O’Dell, Sharon Harper, Shea Walls, Dacia Harkins, Todd Wegman, Jeff Mefford, Lora Baird, Sara Wendling, Cindy Doehring and Angela Brown.

The annual meeting for United Way of Effingham County was held Monday night at the Effingham Knights of Columbus Building.  The highlight of the evening was the announcement that the organization had another successful campaign, raising $300,561 to date.  The campaign offcially closes this Friday, January 31.

The winners of the 2013 Spirit of Caring Awards were announced, and the businesses were also honored who achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze status.  Partner agencies and a review of the record-setting 2013 Campaign were also highlighted.  

Here are the recipients of the Spirit of Caring Awards:

2013 Outstanding Volunteer--Thelma Keller Convention Center

2013 Outstanding Organization--Midland States Bank, a 2013 Lead Pacesetter

2013 Outstanding Board Member--Peggy Valenti of Koerner Distributor

Other business included seating seven new and renewing members of the 2014 Board of Directors. New members include Beth Meyer of Siemer Milling Company, Cheryl Pruemer of McDevitt, Osteen, Chojnicki and Deters Law Office, and Tony Crackel of Bahrns Equipment.  Those serving another term are Angela Brown of First National Bank of Dieterich, Chris Etter of RE/MAX, Ross Richardson of St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, and Sara Jennings, a community member.  Special thanks was given to outgoing board members Carol Calkins of Hodgson Mill, Joe Fearday of Wells Fargo Advisors, and Jodi Cole of Siemer Milling Company.

Pacesetter companies were also recognized.  They are companies that 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.  The recipients are Heartland Dental Care, HMAC (Hitachi Metals Automotive Components), Koerner Distributor, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Midland States Bank, St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, Siemer Milling Company and Washington Savings Bank.

Twenty-one local agencies will receive funding from the 2013 United Way of Effingham County campaign.

Midland States Bank (Outstanding Organization) -- left to right, Mel Stock, Shea Walls, Dacia Harkins, Jeff Mefford, Lora Baird, Sara Wendling and Cindy Doehring.

Thelma Keller Convention Center (Outstanding Volunteer) -- left to right, Katie Koester, Chuck Keller and Patty Greene.

Incoming/Outgoing Board Members -- Seated, left to right, Chris Etter, Sara Jennings, Angela Brown and Ross Richardson. Standing, left to right, Cheryl Pruemer, Beth Meyer, Tony Crackel, Jodi Cole and Joe Fearday.

Spirit of Caring Award Winner -- Peggy Valenti (Outstanding Board Member)