United Way Campaign Kick-off Builds Excitement for Impacting Community
July 11, 2008
United Way of the Ozarks invites the entire community to step up to the plate as they Kick-off the Campaign at Hammons Field Thursday, August 28. Admission is $15, which includes a Bullpen Patio Picnic at 5:30 p.m. and a ticket to the game at 7:10 p.m. During the Kick-off, United Way will celebrate the successful conclusion of the Pacesetter Campaign, as well as announce the campaign theme and goal. The Kick-off is sponsored by Associated Electric Cooperative; Commerce Bank; Cox Health; Great Southern Bank; and Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy.
A $50,000 gift from Cargill Meat Solutions jump-started the United Way Pacesetter Campaign at a lively pace. The United Way Pacesetter Campaign is designed to set a standard for the community-wide campaign, running approximately one month prior to the official Kick-off. Typically, it brings in gifts equaling over $600,000 - or nearly 20% of the goal!
"The campaign is about a lot of people giving. It's about being part of something bigger than you and giving of yourself," said John Wilson, president of US Bank and United Way Campaign Chairman. "This is our first Kick-off at the Cardinals Stadium, which adds elements of fun and excitement. We have 250 folks joining us for the Kick-off in support of United Way and its important role in providing health and human services to our friends, neighbors and perhaps even family members right here in southwest Missouri."
To reserve tickets and show your support, contact Trudy Pischer at 417.863.7700.
United Way of the Ozarks traces its origins to 1930 when a group of committed people built upon the familiar spirit of giving by many for one goal. United Way's mission then and now remains the same: To increase the understanding of human needs and mobilize resources to meet those needs. Today the United Way's board and 2000+ volunteers help people by raising money and resources and allocating those funds to programs of the United Way's family of health and human service agencies in Southwest Missouri. United Way also provides grants to regional nonprofit organizations and sponsors community coalitions to improve the quality of life for people throughout the Ozarks.