Super, heroic theme launches United Way of Wyandotte County’s campaign

With capes flowing and the theme, “Live Heroic, Live United,” the United Way of Wyandotte County launched its annual fundraising campaign today.

The campaign goal this year was set at $2,130,000.

Mayor Mark Holland, the opening speaker, said it was very appropriate that the United Way campaign launch was on Patriot Day, a day of service and remembrance of the American heroes in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the United States.

He called on people to see how they could be heroes in their own community. “We all have a chance to be heroes today,” he said.

Several people in Superman, Batman, Superwoman and other costumes attended the event, held at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave. Many of those who were in costume were from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

Mary Pulley of Fox 4, the emcee of the event, said, “Heroes don’t always come with capes.” It’s not always a hero with a machine gun who rushes in and saves the community who is important, she added. Heroes in the community are just as important, she said. She recalled that one of her heroes was a teacher at Wyandotte High School.

Chris Hill, a youth volunteer from the Eighth Street YMCA who has dedicated more than 25 hours a week to volunteer work, told the audience, “I would do it all over again without nothing” because Hill volunteers for people and the community. Hill said he was proud to be from Wyandotte County.

“It’s not where you live, it’s how you live, and I choose to Live United and Live Heroic in Wyandotte County,” Hill said, receiving the most applause at the event.

Joe H. Vaughan, honorary chair of this year’s campaign, challenged those present to make a pledge collectively and “with superhuman strength,” to smash the fundraising goal and address the needs in Wyandotte County.