Since its establishment in 1920, the United Way of Richland County has been committed to serving the community by raising funds for local service agencies.
In a challenging fiscal climate, Executive Director Robert Maxey emphasized the United Way’s invaluable service to its 24 partner agencies.
“Because these agencies suffered a lot of cutbacks from the government, the United Way has become even more valuable to make up for those cuts. Many of the agencies are heavily funded through grants, and when the economy goes down, funding goes down,” state Maxey.
Last year the United Way allocated $743,332 to help fund its partner agencies.
“My hope is to continue to raise our campaign goal year after year. Then we will be in a position to provide our agencies with more dollars,” stated Maxey.
Maxey’s mission for the United Way to increase the funding for its partner organizations looks hopeful based on the different events hosted by this organization.
One fundraising event is the second annual Power of the Purse. In 2012, the United Way developed a committee that helped create what we now know as the Power of the Purse. Maxey stated, “We wanted a signature event that people could recognize as the United Way’s event.”
This fundraiser includes a silent and live auction in which people can purchase designer handbags.
Their next event is the Graham Auto Mall Car Show, which will be held Saturday, June 22 from 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Graham Auto Mall. This family event is free to the public and features concessions, music by Montage, and 50/50 raffle door prizes. All proceeds go toward the United Way of Richland County.
Maxey said that last year a team of people helped out at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center with weeding, painting, cleaning the horse stalls, and so on. Another team went to Harmony House and helped install playground equipment and planted flowers. The service projects go throughout the day and is open to anyone who wishes to be involved.
The United Way will soon be preparing to launch a new annual campaign. The prospective date is Wednesday, August 7, also known as the Day of Caring. In addition to announcing its campaign goals for the upcoming year, the United Way also participates in a series of service projects throughout Richland County during this campaign event.
For more information, access www.unitedwayofrichlandcounty.org or contact 419-525-2816 to find out how you would like to get involved.
Because these agencies suffered a lot of cutbacks from the government, United Way has become even more valuable to make up for those cuts. Many of the agencies are heavily funded through grants, and when the economy goes down, funding goes down.