The United Way of the Flint Hills has kicked off its annual fundraising effort.
CEO Daphne Mertens says a lot of the focus for the next nine months will be engaging residents who may not be familiar with the United Way and its work.
Drive chair Tagan Trahoon says the campaign is about the people it helps, and he credits the late Lynn Cunningham — last year’s drive chair — for that perspective.
Activities, including the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, took place at the Del5ive Events Center — but the effort literally kicked off with Emporia High graduate and Emporia State placekicker Alex Allemang kicking a football towards one of several folders placed on the Welch Stadium playing surface, revealing this year’s goal of $500,000.
The drive will benefit over 20 community partners offering a range of services in Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee and Woodson counties. An event schedule is under development and will be announced soon.
More information is available at unitedwayoftheflinthills.org.
