United Way of Effingham County met with Siemer Milling Company, who was selected to be the “Lead” Pacesetter Company for the 2018 campaign. This meeting was held on August 1st at Siemer Milling Company’s corporate office. Pacesetter Companies are businesses that conduct an employee campaign, make a company donation, and attend the United Way Witches Ball.
United Way of Effingham County will spotlight this business and provide updates to the community on how their campaign is going, as well as share ideas on how to conduct a successful campaign.
Siemer Milling Company will speak to other businesses interested in conducting an employee campaign at the upcoming United Way Kick-Off Luncheon Meeting. This meeting will be held on August 28th beginning at Noon at the Effingham Event Center.
Businesses interested in attending this informational meeting or conducting an employee campaign should contact Linda Hemmen at the United Way of Effingham County office at 342-3824, or Patrick Kreke, Campaign Chair at
540-3779.
Volunteers for United Way of Effingham County are busy planning for the 2018 United Way “Witches Ball”. This event is a wonderful opportunity to help United Way partner with the 24 local agencies helping those in need in Effingham County.
The event will be held Friday, October 12th at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. There will be a dinner, silent & live auction and music.
A costume contest for “Best Individual” and “Best Group” will be awarded. Those attending the event are encouraged to wear a Halloween costume, but not required, unless you would like to be entered in the costume contest.
Tickets are $60 per person.
Companies will again have the opportunity to sponsor various features at the event. Sponsorship features include: hors d’oeuvres, champagne fountain, signature witches brew, fruit fondue, portion of dinner (appetizer), dessert, chocolate covered strawberries or champagne for auction overbids. Sponsorships will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Sponsors will be recognized at the event.
Businesses or individuals interested in donating items for the auction, purchasing sponsorship or tickets, may contact Linda Hemmen at 342-3824 or Ross Richardson at 663-8806.
Recently various local non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 certificate made presentations to United Way of Effingham County requesting funding from the 2018 – 2019 Campaign. Agencies presented a specific program in which they requested funding. The United Way of Effingham County Grants Committee, which is comprised of 14 members, selected agencies to receive funding based on the recognized needs assessment for Effingham County.
24 local partner agencies will receive funding from the 2018 – 2019 campaign: Altamont After School Program, Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Mid Illinois), Boy Scouts – Lincoln Trails Council, Catholic Charities, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Sr Volunteer Program (RSVP), Child Advocacy Center of E. Central Illinois, Crisis Nursery of Effingham County, 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 (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Effingham County, One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.
Altamont After-School Program and Crisis Nursery of Effingham County are new to the partner agency list this year.
The United Way of Effingham County is accepting requests for Grant Applications for funding support for the 2018 – 2019 Campaign. Agencies requesting funds must be non-profit organizations with a 501(c) 3 certificate and have been in business for at least one year. Applications will be electronically sent to agencies previously funded by the United Way of Effingham County.
The Grants Committee will meet on April 18th and April 23rd, at which time representatives of the applicant agencies will be asked to appear before the Grants Committee to present the agency’s request and proposed use of the funds. This committee recommends to the Board of Directors appropriate grants to the respective agencies based on the funding priorities, which are based on the community needs assessment.
Organizations wishing to apply for United Way funds may obtain an application by contacting Linda Hemmen, Chief Professional Officer for United Way of Effingham County at (217) 342-3824. Applications submitted must be postmarked by March 27, 2018.