GUEST COLUMN
Thank you to everyone for making United Way’s third Annual Back to School Blowout a successful event.
This was the first year we didn’t need shelter from the rain. Although I think many of those waiting in line wished they had umbrellas to help shield them from the sun.
With the sunshine came the crowd. There were over 1,100 people in attendance and over $1,300 raised to further support United Way’s HELP (Hope for Everyone Looking for Provisions) Program.
None of this would have been possible without the wonderful collaborative effort between United Way’s e-CONNECT Program and the Effingham Recreation Department. Special thanks once again to Clarence Morgan and Brenda Bruner for allowing us to utilize the gym and grounds at the Recreation department.
Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors Amerigroup and Wellcare of Georgia.
Lots of work and many long hours go on behind the scenes to make this event happen. I would like to give special recognition to the Gulfstream Community Volunteer Program. Through UW Hands On Savannah, we were introduced to this wonderful group of volunteers. Twelve employees came for a planned one time, one day, three-hour volunteer project to help us fill bags with school supplies. After coming in to volunteer an additional weekend and over 80 volunteer hours later, they helped us to fill over 370 school supply bags, utilizing many of their own resources. They got so involved and consumed in the cause that they even came back on the day of the event and volunteered.
Special thanks also to my wonderful staff, Stephanie Cheeks, Sondra Burns and our newest addition to the e-CONNECT team, Candice Shaufelberger, for their hard-working efforts to prepare for this year’s event. What an awesome staff. They are always up to the task of working beyond their scheduled duties for the greater good of the community. They are a blessing.
Thank you to all of the participating barbers and stylists for providing over 100 free back to school haircuts, without hesitations. I do believe the hair cutting station was the highlight of the event One mom shared that the $60 she saved in haircuts for her three children was an unexpected gift that allowed her to spend money on other needs for her children.
Participating shops/salons included: Color Me Crazy, Cuts by Eric, Joey’s Barber Shop, Pete’s Cuts & Styles, Salon J Hair Spa and Salon Nevaeh. Thank you to Sports Clips for donating 15 free haircut vouchers.
Thank you Walmart and Coca-Cola for providing the refreshments for the event.
Thank you Amerigroup, Ashley Boyette with State Farm, Dottie Whitfield, RSM Project, Homeless Education Program and Gulfstream Community Volunteer Program for providing raffle items.
I would like to send out a big THANK YOU to DJ-A.K. (Mareon Akins) for sticking with the crowd outside!
I love supporting local businesses and giving budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to shine. Thank you to Ronderrance Kent of Egg Head Productions for designing the 1st UW Back to School Blowout T-Shirt. Wonderful job.
Thank you Roxy and Emily Miller of Rincon Packaging & Shipping for face painting! Your hard work throughout the event is greatly appreciated! They braved the elements and painted faces outside-well after 7:30 p.m.
Thanks to Nick Springer of Treutlen House for coming out early to set up and grill 1,000 hot dogs — and we still ran out of food.
Cadet Adam Daugherty, Cadet Airman James Jolin and Cadet Airman Christopher Palmer of the Civil Air Patrol, Effingham Cadet Squadron arrived in uniform and ready to volunteer in any capacity needed. We look forward to them joining us next year and bringing additional cadets with them.
Lastly, a shout out to the Effingham Sherrif’s Office for being on the scene and keeping the traffic under control.
Thanks to everyone again for collaborating to create such a successful event.
Now let’s get planning for next year.
We hope you’ll join us as we work in partnership to continually bless others in need.