Last week, the United Way of Audrain County held its Kick-Off event at HOMEBANK with about 20 people in attendance.

“I think the event went great,” Bethany Collins, Audrain County Board Chair for the United Way, said. “It was great to have it and to have our agencies speak. To be able to hear how agencies provide service to Audrain County is amazing. We are so blessed to have our agencies.

“Our campaign season begins October. This year the board members will be reaching out to employers, citizens, and clubs in Audrain County to request donations to the United Way of Audrain County.”

The United Way, 222 South Jefferson, has 10 board members - Jamie Cox, Mary Dickey, Patrick Shaw, Chris Newbrough, Matt Pilger, Mackenzie Stumpe, Gina Raines, Kent Grovez, Logan Ray, and Collins.

“We do have a part time Executive Chair, Allison Norfleet,” Collins said. “We keep our costs low by using volunteers to campaign for donations.”

Collins said the goal this year is to raise $100,000.

The money donated goes towards agencies supported by the United Way of Audrain.

Agencies have to be 501(c)3 and the agencies have to apply each year and be interviewed in order for the agency to receive funds from the United Way.
In the 1950’s a group of community minded citizens formed the Community Chest to support local not-for-profit organizations, according to Collins. In 1957, this group raised $37,000 to distribute to six agencies.

In 1987 the Community Chest board applied and was accepted into the United Way of America System and changed its name to the United Way of Audrain County.

The organization can be found on Facebook on its United Way of Audrain County page, it also has a website at
www.unitedwayofaudrainco.org and can be reached at 573-581-0404.

The United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.
More about its mission can be found at www.unitedway.org.