On Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, the Oglethorpe Ballroom at the Augusta Marriott was filled with local business leaders and community volunteers who gathered for United Way of the CSRA’s Annual Campaign Celebration. Jay Johnson, Deputy Vice President of Contracts and Supply Chain at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and 2023 Chairman of the Board, announced that United Way had successfully raised $2,210,000 during the 2023 annual campaign. The success of the campaign relies on a combination of monetary support, from both companies and individual donors, as well as volunteers who give of their time and those who donate items at various collection drives. With all of the aforementioned efforts, United Way had a total impact of $5,286,751 in 2023 through support programs including RideUnited, Empty Stocking Fund, AmeriCorps VISTA program, and more.

As part of the celebration, United Way awarded several local businesses and individuals for their participation in the successful 2023 campaign.

Shawn Hargis-Rhodes, of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, received the 2023 Alvin. W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award for her passion for serving others, especially the underserved population. She’s been working with non-profit organizations that help the homeless throughout Augusta for more than 20 years, and is currently serving as the Chair of The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope. In addition to The Salvation Army, she is involved with the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority and was an integral part of starting the Augusta District Attorney’s Crimes Against the Vulnerable and Elderly Task Force (C.A.V.E.).

Rookie of the Year – Aurubis Richmond

Double Impact – Club Car

Partnership Excellence - Christ Community Health

Rising Star - Regions

Creative Impact – Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co.

Top School Fundraiser – Belair K-8, Grovetown Elementary, and Burke County High School

The Spirit of Community Award was presented to John Deere in recognition of their unmatched commitment, leadership, and involvement with the community.

Several companies were recognized for hitting milestone fundraising achievements with their workplace campaigns.

Companies that hit the $20,000+ fundraising goal include Aurubis Richmond, Beasley Broadcasting, Centerra - SRS, Columbia County School System, Costco Wholesale, Palmetto GBA, Piedmont Augusta, SouthState Bank, SRP Federal Credit Union, Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company, and Truist. The $50,000+ Campaigns include Battelle Savannah River Alliance, Graphic Packaging International, Richmond County School System, and Savannah River Mission Completion. The $100,000+ Company Campaigns included John Deere, Publix Super Markets, and Club Car. Two companies reached the $200,000+ fundraising level for their respective campaigns, which included Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and the Top Fundraiser for 2023, Southern Nuclear Operation Company.

Behind every successful campaign, there is an Employee Campaign Manager inspiring change in the workplace. United Way recognized several Employee Campaign Managers of the Year with awards. Those recipients were: Lewis Arthur and Morgan Welch with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Paul Cundey with Savannah River Mission Completion, Kelly James with Graphic Packaging, John Keen with Regions, Kayla Smith and Rosa Henson with Southern Nuclear, Alexa Martinez with John Deere, Tashara Johnson with Aurubis Richmond, La’Keiba S. Davis with Battelle Savannah River Alliance and Stephen Fuchs with Centerra - SRS.

This year’s event was presented by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and sponsors Doctors Hospital, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Aurubis Richmond, and Elliott Davis.

For more information, contact: Brittany Burnett, President and CEO United Way of the CSRA 706-922-8923/ [email protected]