United Way of Southwest Georgia takes aim at $725,000 goal

ALBANY — Decisions made in Washington, D.C., to do away with the Combined Federal Campaign model for United Way fundraising was a critical factor in lowering the United Way of Southwest Georgia’s goal for this year to $725,000.

The Albany-based organization hosted its annual fundraising campaign kickoff luncheon on Thursday at Albany State University’s West Campus. The event is a formal start to the organization’s annual fundraising efforts to fight the challenges faced by the region’s communities through its partner agencies.

The new campaign cycle comes following an eventful beginning to the year, including two severe storms in the Albany area, after which United Way raised $200,000 through a relief fund to assist victims while also working to build a legacy for the future.

“We had an eventful year and have a lot of exciting plans for next year,” Cathi Jones, a co-chair of the United Way Board of Directors, said. “It is great to be with a group that has one thing in common. We want to help the community and make it better in any way we can.”

Donations to the organization benefit 25 programs in 19 nonprofit agencies. Stephanie Blount, whose 11-year-old daughter uses the respite services offered at Megan’s House, spoke on how contributions to United Way have helped her family. Jarren Wright, a senior at the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy, did the same thing on behalf of Communities in Schools.

Representatives from Boys & Girls Club of Albany, including CEO Marvin Laster and Youth of the Year Shanterria Miller, also lauded United Way.

“We could not do the work we do and I could not do the work we do without (the support of United Way),” Laster said.

Sandra Webb, a donor to United Way and a member of the organization’s Health Impact Solution team, explained that she was led to give by the influence of her family and her experience in caring for her grandmother.

She said that donating both time and money can make a difference in scenarios ranging from the storms that hit Albany in January to the monster Hurricane Irma.

“We don’t have control over those events, but we do have control over allocation,” Webb said.

Onterria Boyd, whose grandfather — a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient — is involved with the SOWEGA Council on Aging Retired Senior Volunteer Program, fought back tears during the testimonial she gave on the impact she has seen the program have on her critically ill grandparent.

“It makes a world of difference,” she said.

Cora Lueallen, who has received services from Open Arms, spoke on her experience, while Albany attorney Eric Hooper — a long-time United Way donor — offered a plea explaining why continuing to give to United Way is necessary.

The testimonials were followed by remarks from United Way President and CEO LaKisha Bryant Bruce outlining the organization’s fundraising goal for the year. Bruce also noted that Target and UPS have already established themselves as “pacesetters” for the year.

The change that eliminated the Combined Federal Campaign model, Bruce said, does not mean federal employees are unable to contribute. But it does mean that United Way will be able to focus on its own needs. She also said that even though recovery efforts from the January storms are still ongoing, she feels good about the chances of meeting the goal.

“I feel it is a great goal we can accomplish,” Bruce said.

The CFC component, in recent years, has put prior campaign goals for the organization at around $1 million.

United Way supports the advancement of health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community. It serves a geographic territory of 10 counties including Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell and Worth.

For more information about the organization and its campaign, visit www.unitedwayswga.org.