Going for the gold: United Way needs community’s help to make a difference
From United Way of Blount County
Blount County’s 2012 United Way campaign continues to follow an Olympic theme, and winning the gold medal will make a difference in the lives of many in our community.
“In this case, finishing first means reaching our campaign goal of $1,960,000 by Nov. 16, the date of our victory celebration,” said Dave Ogle, 2012 campaign chair. Anything less than reaching our goal is simply not good enough.”
Ogle noted the campaign dollars affect the lives of more than 50,000 people in need in Blount County.
Take Anthony Hill, for instance. A sixth grader at Alcoa Middle School, Hill has attended the Boys & Girls Club, one of United Way’s partner agencies, since 2007. At the Boys & Girls Club, he participates in Power Hour Homework Help, engages in physical activity and participates in Healthy Habits, a nutrition education program, all of which have helped him excel in the classroom and on the basketball court.
Report raffle
One of the ways folks can help the United Way reach its campaign goal is by participating in the Second Annual Mid-Campaign Report Raffle. Participants will have the chance to win prizes, including a gas grill and starter donated by Walmart, dinner for two at Aubrey’s, and a gift basket filled with Sevier County goodies donated by Kathy Johnson.
Raffle tickets are $20 each, and the drawing will be held Oct. 3 at the Mid-Campaign Report at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Winners do not need to be present to win.
Only 225 tickets will be sold, increasing the odds of taking home one of these wonderful prizes. The money raised will be put toward the campaign goal.
‘Chicken at Church’
Supporters can also make a difference by coming to the 9th Annual Public Service Luncheon, also known as “Chicken at the Church,” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Maryville.
The event will feature a $6 grilled chicken lunch and silent auction. Tickets are available at the Blount County Justice Center, city of Alcoa, city of Maryville and the United Way office, as well as at the door.
All proceeds benefit the United Way of Blount County. For more information, call 982-2251 or visit http://www.liveunitedblount.org
