McPHERSON, Kan. — United Way of McPherson County hosted the Chamber Connection on Aug. 31 to share information about their campaign fundraiser, launched on Sept. 1.
The United Way is a nonprofit organization geared towards improving the lives of individuals and communities of McPherson County. The organization addresses social issues through fundraising, volunteerism and collaborative efforts and aims to strengthen their communities’ education, health, financial stability, and well-being.
United Way of McPherson County Campaign Chair, Cindy Goldsmith had each of the Board Members who were present on Thursday stand and introduce themselves. Goldsmith also shared about those who weren’t present.
“We couldn’t do what we do without everybody on our board,” Goldsmith said.
Goldsmith said there is currently a position open for President-Elect with the United Way Board if anyone is interested.
Board Chair, Kena Dacus shared a video about United Way and their campaign fundraising goal this year.
UWMC currently supports 17 different programs. Due to the increasing fund requests from their partnering agencies, the goal for the United Way campaign this year is $325,000.
“We focus on raising funds so that we can distribute them so that our partnering agencies can spend more time actually giving services and doing what they do and less time trying to figure out how to get funds,” Dacus said.
UWMC has raised their campaign goal by $50,000 this year. Dacus said she and Goldsmith believe they can achieve this goal.
There are many ways people can help. By donating on the UWMC website, sharing the campaign video on social media, or participating in a workplace campaign.
Dacus said there are always opportunities to serve on the board and that positions open in January.
Anthony Roy, Executive Director for UWMC said that if you own a business and don’t want to do the payroll deduction portion, just letting representatives/board members come in and talk to employees will allow them to set up recurring donations through United Way.
“So if the payroll deduction for your company is an obstacle, allowing us to come visit with the employees so they can make individual donations, that’s really appreciated,” Roy said.
Goldsmith said there are a number of ways that don’t have to include payroll deductions that UWMC can help employers with. They can have fun with the workplace campaigns such as doing small events like having employees wear jeans on Friday and donating $5 for an organization.
Dacus explained that one of the biggest differences between being on a committee over being on the board is the level of time commitment you can give.
“If you’re a board member, then you’re expected to attend all the board meetings and be a little bit more involved as a time commitment. There are some committees if you’re not able to make that time commitment that you could join like Triathlon Committee is a good example because they meet pretty heavily in the months leading up to the Triathlon and then you’re kind of off the hook for several months after that,” Dacus said. “If you’re interested, we just need to know your level of time commitment and we can find a good fit for you.”
Allocations is a committee that Goldsmith said has a lot of community members currently sitting on.
“Because they have different committees that hear from the partner agencies what we do and what we’re going to use with the money, how we’re going to use the money they’re requesting from us,” Goldsmith said. “That’s something you can do as well.”
Roy said Allocations is a great committee for someone to learn about what all UWMC does.
United Way had their campaign launch event at Hopp’s Sno Shack on Sept. 1 and had an award ceremony for last year’s campaign award winners. Farmer’s Alliance Mutual Insurance was presented the Legacy Award, Dillons received the Rising Impact Award, CHS earned the Mega Match Award and NuStar Energy received the Inspired Giving Award and the Small but Mighty Award.
If you would like to be on a committee or join the United Way Board, let a member know. The United Way is located at 306 N. Main.
Agencies United Way assists:
GraceMed Lindsborg & Marquette Summer Lunch Program, StepMC, Meals on Wheels, McPherson Special Olympics, Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center, CASA, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Brush Up Mac, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Crimestoppers, Safe Hope, McPherson County Council on Aging, McPherson Housing Coalition, and the McPherson Family YMCA.
Donate at: https://bit.ly/UWMCDonate
