On Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, local business leaders and community volunteers gathered at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center for United Way of the CSRA’s 86th Annual Campaign Celebration.
Joe Klecha, Global Power and Utility Lead and Chief Nuclear Officer at Cohesive and 2023 Vice-Chairman of the Board, announced that United Way of the CSRA successfully raised $2,200,000 during the 2022 fundraising campaign. Recognition was given to companies for providing not only monetary support, but also volunteer involvement and donations of necessity items for members of our community. In addition to the money raised, the total impact made in 2022 was $8,212,798 through United Way programs including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Empty Stocking Fund, RideUnited, AmeriCorps VISTA program, Operation Seats and Feet, and more.

United Way also presented several awards to local businesses and individuals that helped make United Way successful over 2022. Rick Pinnell received the 2022 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding service with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta. Pinnell’s dedication to Augusta’s youth began back in 1980, when he and his wife started a Secret Santa program providing Christmas dinners and gifts to 25-30 families in need on Christmas Eve. Rick also volunteers with countless other agencies and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and Better Business Bureau.

Numerous companies also were recognized by United Way for their involvement in 2022:

Driven to Succeed Award– Club Car
Going the Extra Mile Award– Graphic Packaging International One Hundred Percent Award– Associated Credit Union SuperStar Award– Elliott Davis

Fun-tastic Award– SME CPAs

Each year, the Spirit of Community Award is presented to one deserving company in recognition of their unmatched commitment, leadership, and involvement with the community. The 2022 winner was SouthState Bank.

The Bronze Champion Awards were presented to companies who raised more than $100,000. John Deere and Publix Super Markets both exceeded $100,000 raised. The Silver Champion Award was presented to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions for raising more than $200,000. The Gold Champion Award went to Southern Nuclear Operating Company for raising more than $300,000.

Several companies were recognized with the All Star Award for raising more than $50,000: Bank of America, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, Bechtel, Club Car, Columbia County School District, Graphic Packaging International, Richmond County School System, and Savannah River Mission Completion.

Also receiving special recognition were eight Employee Campaign Managers who led effective campaigns and inspired change in their respective workplaces. The recipients of this award were: Keith Blackwell with Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Dr. Angela Williams and Amy Nunnally with Burke County Public Schools, Lewis Arthur and Candace Stevenson with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Kayla Smith and Carly Moore with Southern Nuclear Operating Company, and Wendy Bradley with SouthState Bank.