Emporia State University warmly welcomed the United Way of the Flint Hills for awareness and fundraising Saturday.
United Way Drive Chair Tagan Trahoon says people may not realize how the United Way helps people at the personal level through the work of its more than 20 Community Partners.
ESU Senior Athletics Director and United Way board member Darian Westerfield says events like Saturday’s are “outstanding” for connecting the donation to the personal impact.
Executive Director Daphne Reed Mertens says ESU alums may know about the United Way’s work. That hasn’t translated to a lot of the students on campus.
ESU Drive Chair Percy Holt says events like Saturday — and those leading up to it, including a tabling event earlier in the week — can help to get students interested in the United Way’s work.
Over 2,000 people attended the ESU football game against Fort Hays State, with activities including a recognition of several community partners, both at Live at the Hive and the game itself, as well as a special video during the game.
The annual fundraising campaign continues into spring 2025.
