Spirt of Caring Awards
Volunteering and giving back to our communities should not go unnoticed. To honor those who spend countless hours in support of our mission, the United Way of Effingham County recognized the efforts of volunteers and organizations that have contributed outstanding leadership during the annual campaign for funds through the Spirit of Caring Awards.
Three Spirit of Caring recipients in the categories of Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Organization, and Outstanding Board Member are announced at the Board of Director's annual meeting in January of each year.
This is a great opportunity to recognize and reward those who give so much to help our community. They are thoughtful, committed citizens and organizations that continue to help change our world - one activity at a time! The Spirit of Caring Awards recognizes individuals who are committed citizens and organizations that stand out, giving countless hours to improve the quality of life in Effingham County.
Tuscan Hills Winery, operated by Amanda Pitcher, has been very enthusiastic and creative in their support of the United Way. Not only do they graciously donate product, merchandise and baskets for auction items at our fundraising events, but they most recently celebrated their First Year Anniversary in June by holding the “First Annual Swine & Wine Anniversary Party”, featuring free pork burgers, drink specials, live music and prizes every hour, in which they donated 10% of the proceeds to United Way of Effingham County. The event was such a success, and so many positive remarks have been made, that they plan to make this an annual event in support of United Way. We would like to thank Tuscan Hills Winery and Amanda for the work they have done, and congratulate them on being chosen 2012 Outstanding Volunteer!
St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
Outstanding Organization
St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital is committed to being a leader in our community. That commitment is demonstrated by St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital setting an example for other businesses by serving as a United Way Lead Pacesetter company for the past three years and having a representative on the Board. St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital annually commits to conducting an active employee campaign that has raised approximately $20,000 dollars each of the past four campaigns. The colleagues of St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital have sponsored bake sales, raffles, jeans day fundraisers, a baby photo contest and this year a "Minute to Win It" competition. Individual colleagues have donated auction items, crafted items for raffles, baked items and have dressed in character costume for the United Way Gala. The spirit of the Hospital Sisters Health System and the ministry of St. Francis is represented by the support of the colleagues of St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for the Effingham County United Way. Thank you, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, and congratulations on being chosen 2012 Outstanding Organization!
Mel Stock
Outstanding Board Member
Mel Stock joined the United Way Board of Directors in 2010. He has served on the Grants Committee, Special Events Committee, and Executive Board Committee. He served as Treasurer in 2011, and this past year as 2012 Campaign Chair. He will serve as Vice President in 2013, and we look forward to his role as President in 2014. Mel played an instrumental part in representing the United Way throughout the community this past campaign year, speaking at many employee campaigns, and sharing much of his time and talent on the committees he serves. Congratulations Mel, on being chosen 2012 Outstanding Board Member!