By Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com Editor
MOUNT VERNON – The 2017 United Way Kick-Off Breakfast, Good Morning Knox County, was held Friday morning and it was announced that the fundraising effort is already at 29% of its one million dollar goal. United Way has three investment areas – education, financial stability and health. For 2018 United Way will invest in 26 programs in 16 partner agencies.
Friday morning’s United Way kick off breakfast held at MVNU’s Ariel Hall – KP Photo
The breakfast, held at MVNU’s Ariel Hall, featured the introduction of the United Way’s new Resource Development Coordinator Karen Schroeder. She replaced Katie Peterson who left the agency earlier this year to move out of state. A humorous video was shown highlighting Schroeder’s first day at the United Way office in which she was incessantly reminded that Katie previously had Karen’s job and was told she had big shoes to fill. Video of the program can be seen here. MVNU staff and students and local producer Matt Starr collaborated on the video.
Videos were also shown highlighting the Knox County Health Department’s FACES program. FACES stands for falls, assessment, community, EMA, and support & service which is designed to help elderly persons stay in their own home longer. The idea is to ease the demand on first responders who are sometimes dispatched to help someone who has fallen at a cost of $800 per run. Through FACES, a dedicated nurse – funded by United Way – can go out and assist those who have fallen or may need help getting something off the floor or even turn on a nightlight.
The ROX (ruling our experiences) program helps middle school girls develop and maintain self-esteem in this day of bullying via social media.
Schroeder announced that 29.2 percent, or $292,723 has already been raised by individuals and companies known as Early Bird Pacesetters.
This year’s campaign is chaired by Ryan Sponsler who announced that his car dealership, Donley Auto Group, will give away a two year lease on a Ford Escape or 5,000 via a drawing for those who contribute $250 or more. The board chair this year is Clint Bailey.
Ryan Sponsler is this year’s United Way Campaign Chair – KP Photo
Executive Director Kelly Brenneman acknowledged the Women United Affinity Group which was founded last year. It fills the gaps inthe community that can’t be accomplished with traditional funding. The members are investing $42,000 back into Knox County with the O’Hara Chris-Fit Porgram, Women in Recovery Breakfasts, Girls on the Run, Recovery Housing for Women and children, ROX, Stuff the Book Bags and Diaper Bars/Wine and Cheese Night.
Community members can donate to United Way through their employer or directly to United Way. For more information visit uwayknox.org.
