1st Row – Ann Beckman, Peggy Valenti, Linda Hemmen, Rachel Miller, Shanta Will, Denise Walk
2nd Row; Katie Smithenry, Dr Ryan Jennings, Sara Jennings, Marty Watson, Lisa Koerner, James Schultz
3rd Row: Misty Campos, Cindy Grunloh, Patrick Kreke, Roy Shelley, Ross Richardson, Mel Stock, Lora Bergfeld, Tony Crackel
The United Way Board of Directors would like to thank Dr. Ryan & Sara Jennings for their efforts to raise money for United Way of Effingham County. They held a party at their home on August 31st and raised over $10,000. Special thanks also to Jeff Frey, Tim Crippen, Chad Arnold, Jack Jennings, Ben Frey, Erica Bierman, Logan Eubank, Greg Myatt and the many friends and neighbors from Grupe Subdivision and the neighboring subdivisions supporting the event. This is the 12th year the event was held in support of the United Way, raising over $118,000 to date.
Ninety nine percent of the funds raised stay local. Twenty four local partner agencies receive funding from United Way of Effingham County. They include; Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Illinois – Effingham County, Boy Scouts of America – Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Sr Volunteer Program (RSVP), Child Advocacy Center of E. Central Illinois, Crisis Nursery, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, NAMI of Effingham County (National Alliance on Mental Illness), One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training & Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.
United Way of Effingham County recently held the 2016 United Way Witches Ball. The event was held on October 7th at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. This witch themed event featured dinner, music and silent and live auction items and costume contest.