With the sun shining in the center of the county, United Way of Wyandotte County kicked off its 2015-2016 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 10. More than 200 people attended the kick-off luncheon at Painted Hills Golf Course with a first ever “tee-off” golf tournament.
The buzz surrounding the event was not only the excitement of a new campaign year, but also that United Way of Wyandotte County is redirecting its campaign goal to promote its community impact partnership with Wyandotte County.
Last year, United Way of Wyandotte County raised $2,061,000 for its 2014-2015 campaign. Traditionally, a fundraising goal is set based on the funds that were raised in the past year and announced at the kick-off event. However, this year United Way of Wyandotte County focused on the number $3,205,353, its entire 2015-2016 operating budget, including campaign fundraising, grants, event income, interest income, in-kind donations, and other fees.
“We decided we wanted to be transparent with our community,” said Wendell Maddox, United Way of Wyandotte County president and CEO. “$3.2 million is what it really takes to get everything we do in Wyandotte County done. That includes funding our agency partner programs, administering our programs, keeping the lights on, and raising grant and campaign funding sources.”
Along with the redirection of a campaign goal, United Way of Wyandotte County is also focusing on promoting a year-round campaign concept- encouraging business not only to hold a workplace campaign but also allow United Way staff and agency members to come back later in the year and showcase how their funds are affecting the community.
The year-round campaign concept also provides more avenues to promote volunteer opportunities to businesses and inform residents and workplaces about the services they can utilize through or because of United Way of Wyandotte County.
“United Way of Wyandotte County does so many different things in our community. So much so, that we really need to be talking to people year-round. Not just to raise funds, but to inform our residents and workplaces about our impact and leadership in Wyandotte County,” stated Cindy Cash, resource development director at United Way of Wyandotte County.
To learn more about United Way of Wyandotte County’s work or to watch the new campaign video showcasing one of the partnerships in Wyandotte County, visit www.unitedway-wyco.org.
– Story and photos from United Way of Wyandotte County
