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United Way of the CSRA Celebrates Community Champions at Annual Celebration

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

United Way of the CSRA hosted its annual celebration at the Augusta Marriott, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the community over the past year, even in the midst of recovering from the devastation from Hurricane Helene. The event honored exceptional fundraising efforts, volunteerism, and corporate engagement, highlighting the power of collective action in driving positive change. Joe Klecha, 2025 United Way of the CSRA Board Chair, announced that over $3.3 million was raised during 2024 to support critical programs and initiatives, but the overall impact—including volunteerism and other efforts beyond fundraising—reached an impressive $5.05 million in the CSRA.

This year’s campaign superlative winners included:

  • Double Impact Award – Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED

  • Volunteer Champion Award – John Deere

  • Youth United Award – MJ Henson

  • Top Fundraising Schools:

o Burke County High School – Burke County
o Grovetown Elementary School – Columbia County o Hephzibah Middle School – Richmond County

The 2024 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Donnell Jenkins, an exceptional volunteer at MACH Academy. Jenkins has been instrumental in empowering youth through computer literacy, coding, financial literacy, and STEM education, exemplifying the spirit of service and dedication that defines United Way’s mission.

United Way also recognized this year’s Employee Campaign Managers of the Year, who played a vital role in engaging their organizations to support fundraising efforts:

  • Willie Quinn, Tim Calhoun, and Naomi Harris – Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED

  • Morgan Welch and Ethan Guidry – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

  • Kayla Smith and Rosa Henson – Southern Nuclear Operating Company - Plant Vogtle

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

Additionally, the 2024 Campaign Associates were honored for their contributions, not only for supporting workplace campaigns, but also pivoting into disaster response after Hurricane Helene, connecting people with critical resources and assisting at various supply distribution sites:

  • Paula Croom – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (retired)

  • Bernadette Williams – Community Volunteer

  • Heath Williams – Southern Nuclear - Vogtle 1 – 4

    The Spirit of Community Award was presented to Aurubis Richmond, recognizing their outstanding commitment to strengthening the CSRA through community engagement.

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

  • $20,000+ campaigns: Beasley Broadcasting Group, Centerra, Clearwater Paper, Columbia County School District, Fluor, Palmetto GBA, Richmond County School System, SouthState Bank, SRP Federal Credit Union

  • $50,000+ campaigns: Aurubis Richmond, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, Savannah River Mission Completion

  • $100,000+ campaigns: Club Car, John Deere, Publix

  • $200,000+ campaign: Southern Nuclear

  • Top Fundraiser, raising over $246,000: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

    The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Platinum Sponsors Southern Nuclear and Doctors Hospital, and Silver Sponsor Elliott Davis.