United Way campaign hopes to raise $101,000

Supporters of the Bourbon County United Way gathered at City Hall last year after reaching their goal of raising $99,999.99. The 2009 campaign has a goal of $101,000 and is set to begin Sept. 17. (File photo)

Disaster relief, emergency assistance, domestic violence advocacy and activities for local youth -- these are only a few of the 101,000 reasons area residents may want to contribute to the United Way of Bourbon County.

The 2009 United Way Campaign, 101,000 Reasons to Give to the United Way, will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 17 during a free United Way Campaign kick-off breakfast conducted in the Fort Scott Community College cafeteria, 2108 S. Horton, according to United Way of Bourbon County Executive Secretary Whendi Martin.

"We are having a free community breakfast," Martin said. "Everyone is welcome to come and hear about the agencies we represent."

During the 2009 United Way campaign, the agency is hoping to raise $101,000 that will be used to provide much needed funding to 15 agencies that offer assistance to area residents.

Event attendees will not only hear about the various agencies supported through the campaign, but they will also be able to listen to the key note address that will be delivered by Patty LaRoche, the 2009 United Way Campaign Drive Chair. Local youth from the Bourbon County 4-H will present the colors at the event, and the Ministerial Alliance will offer the invocation. In addition, the free campaign kick-off breakfast will also include other entertainment, Martin said.

According to Martin, in spite of tough economic conditions, the 2008 United Way campaign ended successfully. The local organization was able to raise enough funds to meet its $99,999.99 goal and all 15 agencies were fully funded.

In addition to the money contributed to the agencies, the United Way also distributed more than $18,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to local agencies such as Mother to Mother Ministries and the Beacon Food Pantry, according to Martin.

The 15 agencies the local United Way contributes funds to includes the Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Southeast Kansas Respite Services, 4-H Fair, United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas, Salvation Army, Kansas Legal Services, Crisis Resource Center of Southeast Kansas, Inc., Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc., Boys Scouts Ozark Trails Council, Hospitality Fund, Keyhole Youth Center, Mother to Mother Ministry and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

For more information about the 2009 United Way Campaign or the agencies supported by the United Way, contact Martin at 620-223-0980. According to Martin, area residents can call the United Way office and request a copy of a United Way video or brochure. In addition, businesses can contact Martin to have a United Way board member visit with their employees about the ways they can help support the United Way. Martin said the United Way will once again be offering pay roll deduction for United Way contributions.