Greater Valdosta United Way sets $1 million goal
Oct. 4—VALDOSTA — The Greater Valdosta United Way launched its "Uniting for More" fundraising campaign Tuesday morning with a kickoff breakfast event.
With a mission to mobilize the caring power of the community and a vision to better the lives of all community members, UWGV focuses to advocate the common good by investing in education, income and health. The Valdosta-based organization serves 11 counties including Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Lanier, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, and Ware. They support 44 programs across 22 local partners or "impact" partner nonprofits.
According to handouts, the Greater Valdosta United Way (UWGV) raised $1,179,040, equaling 110%, of its projected campaign goal last year. The documents showed that UWGV was able to assist 102 families, distribute approximately $17,000 to non-partner nonprofit organizations and distribute $691,000 to local non-profit partner organizations.
The non-profit addressed attendees from community members, municipal leaders and non-profit organization representatives at Wiregrass Campus in Cox Hall while introducing its 2024 fundraising goal of $1 million.
The kickoff began with welcoming remarks from Board Chair Marty Ellison with Miller Hardware. He spoke about the upcoming campaign and lagging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Hurricane Idalia.
"There are a lot of people in our community that weather this storm everyday. Whether it be with mental health issues, homelessness, or hunger, there are challenges that every agency here represents. These are the people we need to focus on and understand that the storm never really ends for them. Together as a community, we need to always recognize that those obstacles exist. But together as a community, we can help bring those obstacles down," Ellison said.
Greater Valdosta United Way President and CEO Michael Smith aired the organization's campaign video.
Dr. Jammie Wilbanks, the 2024 campaign chair, said in the video, "It's important to advocate for the nonprofits because they are strained. They have limited resources and they have limited staff. So we can be their advocate to get what they need so that they can support the community."
Wilbanks then approached the podium to address the attendees. She highlighted the crucial response work that several of participating non-profits completed during and after the storms and the UWGV's impact with disaster funds.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mike Bourgoin shared why United Way donations matter. He said donations remain within the service area that UWGV operates in and donors have the capability to designate their funds to a particular organization or area.
"For Habitat for Humanity, we're proud to receive a very nice grant every year from United Way. Our last home, the actual cost, not including property, was slightly under $80,000 for a 1,200 square feet home. Through COVID, that jumped almost $120,000. Thanks to United Way's annual giving to us, we're able to fund almost half a home," Bourgoin said.
Attendees then heard from John Crawford with Coleman and Tally Solutions, and Smith returned to the podium.
Smith first thanked supporting organizations and announced that funds are still available in the Bruce Williams Impact Grant. He also updated the audience that almost two-thirds of volunteers have not resumed participating since the pandemic.
"Most of our money stays right here in Lowndes County and supports non-profits that are headquartered in Lowndes County, but if we want to be the capital of South Georgia ... then we have to help and give to other counties and smaller communities," Smith said.
Community members should keep a lookout on the Greater Valdosta United Way's social media pages or website for upcoming campaign events throughout October.
