A Tribute to Carol Bell

In a captivating event held in Savannah, Carol Bell was recognized as Woman of the Year during the annual Women Who Rule gathering held by United Way of the Coastal Empire. Carol Bell is renowned for her illustrious career as a pioneer and a generous supporter of United Way. She made history in 1998 by becoming United Way’s first African American board chair and has since championed the organization by dedicating her time, resources, and relentless advocacy. Previously, she broke barriers in 1976 as the first African American female manager for the City of Savannah, further cementing her legacy of championing growth, diversity, and inclusion.

Record Fundraising Event

The annual event was attended by nearly a thousand guests at the Savannah Convention Center and successfully raised a record-breaking $27,500. This achievement brought the cumulative funds raised throughout the Women Who Rule campaign to over $91,500. These funds will be channeled towards the Women United Transportation Fund, which aims to provide reliable transportation for residents to reach work, school, and medical appointments effectively.

Impact of Transportation Fund

Underlining the importance of the cause, Women Who Rule Campaign Chair, Diana Morrison stated, “Reliable transportation is key to helping our neighbors not only survive but thrive. Thanks to the commitment of our volunteers and supporters, more women and caregivers throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties will receive transportation assistance in the form of gas cards, bus passes, and minor car repairs.”

Ensuring Mobility Access

Transportation struggles can be significant barriers to those in need, and investing in mobility solutions directly affects the well-being of Savannah’s residents. The Women United Transportation Fund is stepping up to bridge accessibility gaps and ease the daily lives of countless individuals. As highlighted by representatives at the event, including Faye DiMassimo, Chief Executive Officer of the Chatham Area Transit Authority, Ann Purcell, Vice Chairman of the State Transportation Board of Georgia, and Ariane Wallace, Director of United Way of the Coastal Empire 211, the fund’s intervention is timely and impactful.

The Women Who Rule event symbolizes an important stride towards local empowerment and self-sufficiency. By recognizing inspirational women like Carol Bell and raising funds for transportation needs in the community, United Way of the Coastal Empire continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting local residents.

All photos from the momentous occasion can be found on the HERE News Network website, with insightful captions illustrating the day’s highlights.

The success of the annual Women Who Rule event is a testament to the united strength of Savannah’s community and inspires to continue strides towards an inclusive, equitable future for all.

Source: HERE News