Local business leaders and community volunteers gathered at The WOW! Club at SRP Park on Tuesday, March 29^th for United Way of the CSRA’s 85^th Annual Campaign Celebration. Jordan Pierce, Market President at First Community Bank and United Way’s 2021 Board Chair, announced that United Way successfully raised $2,225,000 in 2021. He not only recognized the incredible community partners for their monetary support, but also for their volunteer involvement and other investments, noting “the impact being made in our community is much larger than just dollars”. In addition to announcing the funds raised, he also presented on the community impact from various other United Way programs including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Empty Stocking Fund, RideUnited, Americorps VISTA program, Operation Seats and Feet, PPE distribution, and more. He stated, “With this year’s total impact to the community surpassing $8,900,000, we will be able to fund dozens of programs that align with our Leading Families Forward initiative as well as provide invaluable services to our community through various United Way initiatives.”  

The event was hosted by WJBF News Channel 6 personalities Jennie Montgomery and Brad Means. Miriam Rhoades, Assistant Vice President and Senior Client Services Associate at SouthState Bank, was guest speaker for the event. She shared her story on how United Way impacted her life. Her drive for giving so much of her free time volunteering and helping others was a true testimony of “WHY United Way.”  

United Way also presented several awards to companies and individuals as well. The 2021 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Pearline Harris.  Harris, who was nominated by The Salvation Army, Augusta Area Command is well known throughout the CSRA for her passion and drive to make a difference in the community. Rob Norris, Plant Manager at Southern Nuclear Operating Company at Plant Vogtle 1&2, presented the award along with a check for $2,000 to be donated to The Salvation Army.  

Several local companies received awards from United Way for their dedication and unique involvement in 2021: 

- KAMO Manufacturing- Rookie of the Year Award 

- Textron Specialized Vehicles- Superstar Award 

- Nutritional Resources- Get Up and Go Award 

- Atlanta Gas Light- Going the Extra Mile Award 

- Enterprise Holdings- Best Comeback Award 

- Solvay Specialty Polymers- Social Distancing Award 

- Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Company- Re-Caffeinated Award 

Each year one deserving company receives the prestigious Spirit of the Community Award for their leadership, commitment, and engagement in the community. The 2021 winner was Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate.  

The Bronze Champion Awards were presented to companies who raised over $100,000. In 2021, John Deere and Publix each raised over $100,000. Publix Super Markets has continued a partnership with United Way for over 40 years and the #1 supporter of United Way across the country! The Silver Champion Award recipient was Savannah River Nuclear Solutions who raised over $200,000. The event’s highest Champion Award was presented to Southern Nuclear, who raised over $322,000 for United Way of the CSRA. This is the first year this company has received this award.   

Special awards were presented to five Employee Campaign Managers whose enthusiasm, leadership, and passion resulted in thriving campaigns. The recipients of this award were: Yvonne Meeks and Grace Helms with SRP Federal Credit Union; and, Debbie Garrison, Lori Braswell, and Sean Petro with Columbia County School District.  

The event was sponsored by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.