Email |

United Way $531,000 shy of meeting 2009 campaign goal

Published November 7th, 2009 | 0 Comments

KINGSPORT — The United Way of Greater Kingsport has raised $2,918,700 — 84.6 percent of its $3.45 million goal.

“We need to raise an additional half million in order to reach our goal by the Community Campaign Celebration on November 20th,” said Greg Boehling, campaign chair. “We are very grateful for the generosity of businesses and individuals who have contributed thus far. The red on the thermometer tends to climb a little more slowly at the end of the campaign, because most of the larger workplace campaigns have already been completed. That’s why we need everyone who hasn’t had an opportunity to participate, and are able, to make a pledge in the next couple of weeks.

“The 41 agency programs supported by United Way are counting on us. Our programs couldn’t continue to provide the services so desperately needed by our community at the current level without United Way funding.”

Those who haven’t had a chance to participate in a workplace campaign or as an individual donor may send a contribution to the United Way at P.O. Box 7268, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664, or pledge online at www.uwaykpt.org.

“We would like to encourage everyone who contributed to the success of the campaign in any way to come out to the Boys and Girls Club located off Stone Drive on Friday, November 20th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy lunch and to help us celebrate the results,” said Director of Resource Development Ann Rhem. “We had a celebrity help us kick off the campaign this year when Pat Summitt spoke at the regional kickoff in August. Everyone came away feeling energized and motivated because of her inspirational words.

“Pat said, ‘The economy is tough, but don’t let that be an excuse. When I started coaching the Lady Vols, we set out to be national champions. United Way is just the same as our team. We’re only as good as our weakest player. Teamwork works.’ With the tough economy, that teamwork has been more critical than ever this year to ensure we raise the resources to create a brighter tomorrow for everyone.

“All the folks who have supported United Way this year, whether it was through giving, advocating or volunteering, have become our local celebrities, everyday people making a difference in someone else’s life. We want to make sure everyone who helped comes out and helps us celebrate. Just call the United Way office at 378-3409, extension 14, or send an e-mail to lmiller@uwaykpt.org to make a reservation.”

Part of the festivities will include a silent auction of University of Tennessee memorabilia autographed by Summitt, an ice tub, a stadium blanket, a hooded sweatshirt, two ball caps and several photographs.

To continue in the local celebrity vein, Food City is sponsoring a Celebrity Bagging Event on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers at three locations that day will be able to add a donation to the United Way on their food bill or tip the volunteer baggers.

All contributions at the Eastman Road store, the Moreland Drive store in Colonial Heights and the Highway 394 store in Blountville will benefit the programs of the United Way of Greater Kingsport.

Anyone interested in volunteering to bag groceries for a couple of hours that day should contact the United Way office at 378-3409, ext. 13.

Discuss This Story

Be the first to comment: Sign In or Create Profile .

To comment, you must register.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the registered user participating in online discussions. You agree not to post comments off topic, abusive, obscene, defamatory, vulgar, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.

Click here to review our complete user agreement.