They braved dunk tanks in 40-degree weather, held golf tournaments and raffles and sang karaoke all to raise money for a cause.
Collectively, area businesses raised more than $2.2 million for the United Way of the CSRA.
At a March 5 luncheon at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, the organization celebrated the generosity of a community that banded together to provide $2,210,000 for 31 programs in 19 non-profit agencies in the Augusta area.
“Back in August, we kicked off with a theme of ‘Together, we can.’ Right now, we’re here to celebrate ‘Together, we did.’ We know there’s still a lot of work to do, and together, we will continue to impact our community,” said Brittany Burnett, president of the United Way of the CSRA.
Not only does the organization raise money for those 31 programs, but it also facilitates initiatives such as Project Serve, which mobilized volunteers into the community after the August campaign kickoff. The 356 volunteers logged more than 2,100 hours serving food, painting, planting and cleaning at local agencies.
Other United Way programs include Stuff the Bus, which generated more than 35,000 school supply items and a Martin Luther King Jr. Day toiletry drive that collected more than 16,000 items for more than 3,000 people.
The total community impact was $5,286,751.
The luncheon was an opportunity to recognize individuals and companies for their efforts.
Shawn Hargis-Rhodes of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, who has volunteered for non-profits serving the homeless for more than 20 years, received the Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award.
She serves as chair of the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope program committee.
“She takes calls at all hours of the day and will drop everything to help others,” according to her nomination. “She has been known to bring unhoused individuals to the Center of Hope Homeless Shelter herself to ensure they are taken care of.”
The United Way recognized several businesses. Aurubis Richmond was named Rookie of The Year for coming into Augusta and launching its inaugural campaign; Club Car received the Double Impact Award; Christ Community Health received the Partnership Excellence Award; and Regions was named a Rising Star.
Blanchard and Calhoun received the Creative Impact award. Belair K-8, Grovetown Elementary School and Burke County High School were named the top fundraising schools. John Deere received the Spirit of Community Award.
Top fundraising companies were Southern Nuclear Operating Co. and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions with donations of more than $200,000. Southern Nuclear outpaced Savannah River Nuclear Solutions by about $1,000, taking the top giving spot for the third straight year.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
Proud to be part of Team Club Car and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who dedicated their time and energy this past year.