The United Way of the Flint Hills emphasized the importance of community during its annual fundraising campaign celebration Wednesday. And with good reason.
Despite COVID-19 wreaking havoc on personal and business finances over the past 14 months, area residents donated over $444,000 with the total being announced Wednesday at the Bowyer Community Building. Executive Director Mickey Edwards says United Way administrators had no idea where to set the bar going into the campaign.
Drive co-chairs BJ and Kristy Bayer were credited for their work to set the table for Wednesday’s announcement. Kristy Bayer thanked area residents for their generosity — especially in a year where adjustments were the norm.
Edwards says COVID-19 highlighted the need for services as provided by the United Way’s community partners, and statistics unveiled Wednesday bear that out. Better than 30,000 people sought services through the United Way’s partners, more than double the typical annual total.
Also honored were this year’s award winners:
*Community Partner: Collaborating agencies for the Greater Emporia Area Disaster Relief Fund.
*Business Partner: Frontier Farm Credit.
*Spirit Award: USD 252 Southern Lyon County.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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