United Way and Scholastic Team Up for Kids

The United Way of Central Missouri and Scholastic have announced plans for the 15th annual Kick-off for Kids. The carnival-like event is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 from 5pm till 7pm at the Jefferson City's Memorial Park.
Kick-off for Kids is a free event for children whose families are served by the United Way partner agencies. Organizers say this event is planned with the children's health, safety, and enjoyment in mind. "Both the organizers and the kids have fun at this event," says Lori Massman, Community Development Manager for Scholastic. "Because it is all about kids, this event fits well with what we do at Scholastic."
Several United Way agencies will provide games. A bounce house, kid friendly games and puzzles, along with a fire truck from the Jefferson City Fire Department will be some of the activities. Volunteers from the Runge Nature Center will also have a display.
For more information about Kick-off for Kids, please contact the United Way office at 573-636-4100. For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri, please visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

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The United Way Begins Community Campaign

The United Way of Central Missouri's 2009-2010 Community Campaign has officially started. More than 300 supporters attended the campaign kickoff luncheon which was held on September 3rd. The event marks the beginning of an eight-week long effort to raise this year's goal of $1,600,000.

Twenty-six local businesses and the United Way agencies have already completed their part of the fundraising during this summer's Pacesetter Campaign. The group held their employee campaigns in late July and August. This year's Pacesetters raised $593,269 which is 37% of the 2009 campaign goal.

While Campaign Co-Chairs Warren Krech and Mike Kehoe were satisfied with the preliminary numbers, they noted that there is still a lot of work to do. "To have 37% of the campaign goal pledged is encouraging," says Krech. "But we still have a long way to go." Kehoe added, "We know that a lot of people in central Missouri are hurting right now, but we also know the central Missouri community will step forward and help us meet the needs of the partner agencies."

Linda McAnany, President of the United Way of Central Missouri, says she is also encouraged with the preliminary numbers. "We knew this campaign would require a lot of extra effort. Our Pacesetter group worked very hard. The results show it. It will be close, but we think we are on target for the balance of our campaign."

Money donated during the campaign will be used to fund the United Way of Central Missouri's 25 health and human service agencies and programs. Last year, more than 91,000 people in Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties received help from one or more United Way agencies.

For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri Community Campaign, call 573-636-4100 or visit http://www.unitedwaycemo.org/.

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