For students and alumni alike the sound is unmistakable. The clang, clang, clang of the University of Georgia’s Chapel Bell is the sound of victory. Late on Jan. 9 the reverberations signaled the Dawgs’ repeat as College Football Playoff national champions.

The 65–7 win over Texas Christian University’s Horned Frogs scores a shiny trophy for the team and endless bragging rights for fans. Equally important, the Bulldogs’ perfect 15-0 season means three local charities are again receiving sizable donations through the Walton Gas Champions for Charity giving program.

Three local charities will receive donations through

the Walton Gas Champions for Charity program.

Children, victims of disaster and the homeless will reap the rewards from the team’s successful 2022 football season. Throughout the regular season and postseason play, every Georgia Bulldog victory earned charitable donations for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Salvation Army and Camp Twin Lakes.

Walton Gas is donating $1,000 for each of the 12 regular season wins, as well as an additional $5,000 for claiming victory in the Southeastern Conference title game, the Peach Bowl and the national championship. It adds up to a hefty $27,000 for the three local nonprofits.

This year’s contributions will be divided based on

online voting by Walton Gas customers.

The money earned throughout the season and postseason is divided among the three charities based on votes from the community. Vote for your favorite charity here. Voting will conclude on May 30.

The donation is supplemented by contributions from new Walton Gas customers. Every new customer can choose between receiving a $25 bill credit or donating that amount to Champions for Charity. Each customer donation is matched by Walton Gas, meaning another $50 is added to the year’s Champions for Charity contribution. This year’s total will be finalized after May 30, the last day of the giving period.

Since 2013, the Champions for Charity program has raised $110,000 for Camp Twin Lakes. The donation helps subsidize the cost of attendance at the camp that annually serves nearly 10,000 of Georgia’s children and young adults with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges. Camp Twin Lakes maintains camp facilities in Rutledge and Winder, Camp-To-Go programs at children’s hospitals throughout the state, and online programming.

The Salvation Army (Metro Atlanta Area Command) has received $73,000 through the program. Their share of the Champions for Charity donation helps the organization further its mission of providing emergency services to disaster victims and also offering prevention, refuge and stability to men, women and families experiencing homelessness.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has received $160,000 since 2013.The not-for-profit pediatric hospital is Georgia’s leading pediatric healthcare provider. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, CHOA provides Georgians access to 2,000 pediatric physicians and allied health practitioners across more than 60 pediatric programs.  

“Thanks to all the Walton Gas customers who voted during the 2022 season — and to all those who have not yet voted, it’s not too late. Cast your vote today,” said Sara Beddington, marketing specialist.

Cast a vote for your favorite charity to receive Champions for Charity funds at waltongas.com/uga.

She added:  “And a big thanks to every new Walton Gas customer who has chosen to donate to Champions for Charity. Together, we’re scoring a big win for children and the homeless in our communities.”

Since 2013, when the program started, Walton Gas and its customers have contributed $340,000 to the charities that collectively benefit thousands of Georgians each year.