United Way kicks off campaign to raise $1.5 million
Star Press
MUNCIE, Ind. — United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties kicked off its 2019 fundraising campaign in front of a crowd downtown Thursday evening.
This year's fundraising goal is $1.5 million, about 5 percent more than the 2018 goal of $1.43 million. United Way has met its goal each of the past two years, according to a release.
"I could not be more excited with how everything turned out," Damon Elmore — co-chair of the 2019 campaign with Liz Ludwick — said in a release. "We have a pair of bold goals. First, ensuring children in third grade are reading at third-grade reading level by 2024. Then, raise $1.5 million to support that work."
The kickoff event, held on Walnut Street during the First Thursday gallery walk, drew a crowd and featured a concert by Cook and Belle.
The campaign's annual "Day of Action" was set to follow on Friday, with hundreds of volunteers representing dozens of companies spending the day making a difference for local nonprofits. Nearly 850 volunteers across the county had committed to 2,240 volunteer hours in a single day, at an estimated economic impact of more than $54,000, according to United Way Chief Executive Officer Jenni Marsh.
To conquer generational poverty, UWDHC has adopted the goal that by 2024 all third-graders will be reading at grade level. Delaware County's campaign contributions will be strategically invested in local programs to help put children on a pathway out of poverty through better educational outcomes, the release stated.
MORE UNITED WAY NEWS:
►United Way hands out 5,000 books to keep kids reading through summer
►Uw boosts program funding by more than 15% thanks to campaign successes
►United Way of Delaware County expands to add Henry County
UWDHC provides free, educational resources to local families. They include bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — a program providing children (ages newborn to five years old) with a free monthly, high-quality book — to Delaware County residents.Almost 1,000 children are enrolled in the program.
Additionally, United Way created Reading Clubs, placing community volunteers in afterschool literacy clubs to share their love of reading, while working alongside the students to improve their reading and comprehensive skills. UWDHC runs three reading clubs for third-graders at local elementary schools.
For more information or to donate to the 2019 campaign, go to invitedtoliveunited.org.