United Way set to launch campaign

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Photo courtesy / United Way of Stutman County Attendants of the United Way of Stutsman County’s 2011 kick-off campaign are seen here playing games at the event, which was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jamestown.

Talk about it

With the goal of raising $200,000 this year, the United Way of Stutsman County will launch its annual fundraising campaign Thursday in Jamestown.

United Way is a nonprofit organization founded in Denver, Colo., in 1887 as an effort to collect funds for local charities and organizations. According to its website, United Way Worldwide currently has a network of almost 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries, including about 1,300 here in the United States.

Locally, United Way of Stutsman County set a goal of raising $185,000 in 2011 and exceeded that by $8,000, according to Jessica Haak, its public relations coordinator.

“We help 22 local agencies and more than 99 percent of the money donated stays in Stutsman County,” Haak said.

Some of the agencies include Safe Shelter of Jamestown, Boys Scouts of America, Girls Scouts of America and the Buffalo Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

This year’s campaign theme is “Be an All-Star,” according to Lynette Stoddart, president of the United Way of Stutsman County.

“We are very excited to launch this campaign,” she said. “The team has set a much higher goal than in recent years due to extra need in the community.”

Despite raising its goal more than $15,000 from a year ago, Stoddart is confident and optimistic people in Stutsman County will help reach the team’s desired number.

“We feel the support of the community will remain strong, and have every intention of meeting that goal,” she said. “There’s a great need for additional funds, and what we can give is really never enough, but it’s a major shot in the arm for a lot of these agencies that we assist.”

Kickoff event

To launch its campaign, United Way of Stutsman County will host a kickoff event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jamestown.

The team was very pleased with last year’s turnout, but is hoping to build upon that this year, Haak said.

“With the greater need this year, we’re really hoping the people of Stutsman County as well as businesses and organizations will step up and be ‘All-Stars,’ in the spirit of our campaign this year,” she said.

Activities such as a hoop shot competition, a cake walk/competition with treats from various local bakeries and children’s games will be included. Jamestown Inflatables is also providing a bouncy house to be placed in front of the KC Hall for kids to enjoy.

Ten local community leaders such as Mayor Katie Andersen, Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger, Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther and Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Bob Toso will be on hand to celebrate.

In addition, a full meal will be served including hamburgers, hot dogs, Cavendish fries, corn on the cob, dessert and punch.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for children and $25 for an immediate family.

United Way of Stutsman County is planning to hold an event each month for the rest of the year to help reach its campaign goal.

For more information about United Way, visit http://liveunited.org.

Sun reporter Brian Willhide can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at bwillhide@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, charity, benefit