Member Spotlight – United Way of McPherson County
The United Way of McPherson County fundraising campaign has officially kicked off for 2019, and the United Way Board is hoping for a repeat of the 2018 Campaign. The 2019 goal will be the same as it was for 2018 – $250,000, and the United Way Board is excited to begin the new campaign with the same energy that the 2018 one ended with. Kipp Cordell, the Campaign Chair, credits the incredible support of the community and county for going over the goal and raising a record breaking $261,000.
2018 Campaign awards were presented during Chamber Connections to celebrate businesses that demonstrated extraordinary support through the 2018 Campaign year. The “Inspired Giving” Award went to the company which came up with a creative, new way to become active and involved in the campaign. That award was presented to Pfizer for their volunteer involvement in the United Way Triathlon. The “Mega Match” Award was for the employer who gave the biggest match to what the employees contributed during the campaign. CHS received that award. The “Rising Impact” Award went to the company that, from year to year, shows an increase in what they’ve been able to do during the campaign. Farmers Alliance received the “Rising Impact” Award. The “Small But Mighty” Award is for the company – though they might be small in number of employees, had a huge impact with a strong, supportive campaign. That was NuStar.
So, onto the 2019 campaign! The $250,000 is what is needed to allow the 17 programs funded by the United Way of McPherson County to provide services in the coming year. Kipp said the Board feels that making the $250,000 goal again is achievable because of generous people and businesses in McPherson. As Cordell approaches each year’s campaign, he says he looks at it with new eyes. This year’s campaign, Cordell said, can provide a great opportunity for the community and county to “be the answer” to questions the agencies might have. Questions like – Will there be enough funding to allow us to help the people we need to help? Will the funding be in place to support a specific program? And those on the receiving end might ask – Will this agency be there for me through my time of need? Through the 2019 Campaign you could be the answer to these questions through your generous support.
The United Way of McPherson County is also starting a new initiative in our county … the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This amazing program will provide a free, monthly book to children, from birth to their 5th birthday, who live in McPherson County. A $25 contribution will supply monthly books to one child for an entire year. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an incredible opportunity to help a McPherson County child discover the joy of reading. Enrollment for children will begin sometime this fall. By visiting the United Way of McPherson County website you can keep updated as to when and how to enroll your child.
Community impact is the focus of the United Way of McPherson County. As Kipp Cordell said, you can be the answer – by volunteering time or contributing to the United Way. All funds raised during the campaign remain in McPherson County and are distributed to United Way Partner Agencies to support programs that address priority areas in McPherson County. Check the United Way of McPherson County website to see how you can become involved. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by United Way can be seen here.