Today, in front of a crowd of health professionals, United Way board members and employees, United Way announced a record fundraising total for the 2019-2020 campaign, $5,208,497. The total surpassed the goal of $5.2 million and bested last year’s fundraising record of $5,139,778. In normal times the campaign results would have been announced at United Way’s Annual Awards Luncheon in March, but that was cancelled due to COVID-19, and all attention was focused on responding to the critical community needs caused by the pandemic. So instead, this year’s announcement and celebration took place as part of a United Way “Flash Thank You Mob” to recognize and thank the dedicated health professionals at Coliseum that have been on the front lines of this health emergency, as well as to thank Coliseum Health System CEO Steve Daugherty for chairing the record breaking campaign. 

“I am so proud to be part of the Central Georgia community that is exemplified by its charitable giving. This year has been an extraordinary time with unprecedented challenges for the communities we serve,” Board Chair Steve Daugherty said. “The individuals and businesses in Central Georgia met each of these challenges with extraordinary giving to enable us to continue our mission to break the cycle of poverty and provide hope for future generations.” 

“Our history of serving those in need is rooted deep here in Central Georgia. We are amazed at the generosity of our donors and volunteers that have allowed us to reach this level of support,” Said George McCanless, President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia. “The dollars that our region came together to raise will change many lives in our community and help even more individuals and families build the foundation for a good quality of life.” 

More than 15,400 donors and 186 companies contributed to the 2019-2020 campaign. Workplace campaigns were strong throughout Central Georgia with special recognition to these major companies: GEICO, Publix Supermarkets, Perdue Foods, Mercer University, Georgia Power Company, Bibb County School District, Coliseum Health System, Robins Financial Credit Union, Houston County Board of Education, and Cadence Bank.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, United Way’s highest giving level for individuals (contributions of $10,000 or more), is at its highest level of contributors since its inception. With 21 members, this group of leaders donated more than $300,000.