SEARCY — About 70 people from Searcy and surrounding areas recently gathered for the United Way of White County Campaign Kickoff luncheon, where it was revealed that $400,000 is the organization’s fundraising goal.
The event was held at the Robbins Sanford Grand Hall in downtown Searcy.
The campaign officially begins Saturday and runs through Jan. 31, said board President Glen Metheny, chair of the Graduate School of Business at Harding University. He said 99 percent of the funds stay in White County.
“The goal of this kickoff event is to offer a venue for the community to get a glimpse of each agency we represent,” he said.
Campaign chairman Donny Gray, manufacturing supervisor at Eaton Hydraulics, added, “This gives people an opportunity to put names and faces with their donations.”
On the perimeter of the luncheon tables were information booths for the various agencies the United Way of White County partners with throughout the year.
Kathryn Reams, executive director of Jacob’s Place, a nonprofit that serves the homeless, said the United Way’s assistance is instrumental in her organization’s operations. Funding helps, but another perk is that the United Way helps spread awareness of Jacob’s Place mission. The center provides temporary housing for the homeless and assists them in obtaining spiritual and physical stability, according to the organization’s mission statement.
Dixie Evans, director of the Literacy Council of White County, said the funds her organization receives from the United Way helps with expenses the council otherwise wouldn’t be able to cover. The contributions help purchase much-needed materials to better serve clients, she said.
At the campaign’s kickoff event, United Way of White County Executive Director Pat Downs greeted guests and thanked them for their support.
Founding board member Albert Yarnell spoke briefly after the invocation, encouraging community support of the United Way’s efforts.
In addition to Jacob’s Place and the Literacy Council, United Way agencies in White County include the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Court Appointed Special Advocates of White County, the Child Safety Center, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Newhope Specialized Industries, Special Olympics, the Sunshine School, the White County 4-H Foundation, the White County Aging Program, White County Domestic Violence Prevention and Rape Crisis, White County Group Homes, the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund and the Wilbur D. Mills Center.
Many events, from those that benefit the Child Safety Center to Special Olympics, will be held for the duration of the fundraising season, Metheny said.
People may give to the United Way by different methods, including payroll deductions or a single check. Downs noted that a good way to determine a “fair share” of participation is one hour’s pay per month. “Whatever your investment, we greatly appreciate your gift,” she said.
“The great thing about all of this is we’re all partnering together to help each other and make the community a better place,” Downs said.
For more information, visit www.unitedwayofwhitecounty.org.