United Way of the CSRA hosted its Annual Celebration on March 10, 2026, bringing together community leaders, corporate partners, volunteers, and partner agencies to recognize the collective impact made across the region over the past year. The event reflected on the 2025 campaign theme, “United is the Way,” showcasing how collaboration, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships are strengthening outcomes for local ALICE families. 

Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the power of working together not just to raise funds, but to remove barriers, align systems, and create measurable progress for ALICE families across the CSRA. Originally announced at the kickoff event in August 2025, United Way of the CSRA’s “30 in 30” initiative set a goal of impacting 30,000 ALICE families by 2030. Joe Klecha, 2025 United Way of the CSRA Board Chair proudly announced that in 2025, 5,687 ALICE households were assisted through direct services and coordinated partnerships across the region. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents hardworking families who earn above the federal poverty level, yet struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, food, transportation, childcare, and healthcare.

This year’s campaign superlative winners included:

• Small But Mighty Award – Diana Royal, Southern Nuclear Operating Company – Plant Vogtle
• Role Model Campaign – Queensborough National Bank & Trust
• Top Fundraising Schools:
– Burke County High School – Burke County
– Lakeside High School – Columbia County
– Hephzibah Middle School – Richmond County

The 2025 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Lynne Shrader, who was nominated by Child Enrichment, Inc., for being a respected and invaluable advocate for Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Shrader has championed children in the classroom and the courtroom as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and she has spent countless hours coordinating with educators, medical providers, and case managers to ensure each child’s needs are fully understood and addressed.

United Way also recognized the Employee Campaign Managers (ECMs) of the Year, whose leadership and enthusiasm were instrumental in engaging their organizations and driving meaningful campaign engagement.

• Ana Payne and Sherrie Bishop – Aurubis Richmond
• Paige Boeke and Ethan Guidry – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
• Ben Frey and Rosa Henson – Southern Nuclear Operating Company - Plant Vogtle
• Amber Edmonston – SME CPA

The 2025 Campaign Associates were also honored for their leadership and dedication throughout the campaign season, playing an integral role in advancing United Way’s mission.

• Kristin Creed – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
• Kristina Thomas – Community Volunteer
• Karen Hudaib – Southern Nuclear Operating Company – Plant Vogtle

The Spirit of Community Award was presented to Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to strengthening the CSRA through meaningful community engagement and partnership. 

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

• $20,000+ campaigns: Beasley Broadcasting Group, Centerra, Clearwater Paper, Columbia County School District, Palmetto GBA, Queensborough National Bank & Trust, Richmond County School System, SouthState Bank, SRP Federal Credit Union, Truist
• $50,000+ campaigns: Aurubis Richmond, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, Savannah River Mission Completion
• $100,000+ campaigns: Club Car, John Deere, Publix
• $230,000+ campaign: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
• And winning the award for Top Fundraiser, raising over $250,000: Southern Nuclear Operation Company

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 Aurubis Richmond.