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United Fund kicks off new campaign

Fri, 10/12/2018 - 4:18 pm
  • Members of the Board of Directors of the United Fund posed with their new thermometer to kick-off their new campaign, with Paul Prater (right side of thermometer) who presented his $100 dollar donation to Sandy Broyles (left side of thermometer) to get things started for 2018-2019. Other directors included (l to r) Bo Asher, Les Strickland, Sharon Wimberley, Broyles, Prater, Scott Harris, Jean Hayworth and Sherry Strickland, president. BA photo by James Norman  
    Members of the Board of Directors of the United Fund posed with their new thermometer to kick-off their new campaign, with Paul Prater (right side of thermometer) who presented his $100 dollar donation to Sandy Broyles (left side of thermometer) to get things started for 2018-2019. Other directors included (l to r) Bo Asher, Les Strickland, Sharon Wimberley, Broyles, Prater, Scott Harris, Jean Hayworth and Sherry Strickland, president. BA photo by James Norman

It is that time of year once again when the United Fund Board of Directors swings into action and begin their annual fund-raising campaign in support of a variety of local organizations in Stephens County, which focuses on the young people, seniors, the animal shelter and many other service type organizations in the community.
Last year, the goal was $22,255 but after the campaign, it fell short of that goal with $18,248 donated. The donations were spread across 18 different organizations in the community. The United Fund board also appreciates the 100 percent participation of First National Bank employees, led by President Kevin Simmons, who also serves as the treasurer for the United Fund. Additionally, United Supermarket employees, led by Lee Olson, was able to donate $2,249.
Many organizations such as BISD teachers, city or county employees, can all take advantage of the payroll deductible method to spread their giving out over the next year. If you do not receive your card in the next few weeks, you can go by Breckenridge InterBank and visit with Whitney Fulgham, who can give you one or several for your employees.
Remember, all money donated stays in Stephens County and takes care of our own. If you have young people in your household that benefits from these donations, then maybe you can help by donating as well. A way to give back to your community.
Due to the generosity of local residents, the board was able to help these local organizations that includes All His Children, Boy Scout Troop #63, Cub Scout Pack #81, Breckenridge Little League, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge Library, Friends of Historic Breckenridge, Girl Scout Troop #8356, Meals-On-Wheels, Dr. Goodall's House, Stephens County Ag. & Community Center, Stephens County Humane Society, Swenson Memorial Museum, The Open Door, Stephens County Child Welfare Board, The SHAC, Breckenridge Girls Softball Assoc. and Breckenridge Little Kickers.
The year of 2018-2019 will see a 26 percent reduction of donations for each of those organizations due to the fact budgets are tight. The board thought it was reasonable to make a small cut this year in hopes that donations will take an upswing for the coming year. The goal this year is a realistic $17,000, set by the United Fund Board and is based on requests and responses from letters sent out to the organizations listed above. It also reflects on donations received the last two years.
They also have taken a new approach to our donator cards, with a entirely new look and a more personable, hand addressed invitation to donate. This is their attempt to treat those who donate as special and appreciated by the United Fund Board of Directors, which includes the officers who all agreed to serve another year, President Sherry Strickland, Treasurer Kevin Simmons, Secretary Whitney Fulgham, Campaign Chair Jean Hayworth and members Scott Harris, Cassie Griffith, Sandy Broyles, Lynda Justus, Wayne Justus, Gary Trammal, Sharon Wimberley, Jeanne Gann, Kathy O'Shields. Tge newest members are Les Strickland and  Bo Asher, who designed the fund's new look.
A United Fund Thermometer has been set in place at Foundation Park thanks to Paul Prater, who quietly serves throughout the community in a variety of capacities. He also has nailed his $100 dollar bill to the thermometer and challenges others to follow his lead with their own donation to the United Fund.