By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County kicked off its annual fundraising campaign with a goal of $350,000.
Jaden Richardson, board president of United Way of Ellis County, said the campaign focuses on youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security and community resilience.
"Donating to United Way helps kids succeed, it helps adults secure jobs and you help families become healthier," Richardson said.
Marie Froelich, a board member of the Cancer Council of Ellis County, read a testimonial from a client battling stage 4, non-curable colorectal cancer for more than two years and seven months, with the disease having spread to his lungs and liver.
"I took my 50th round of chemo this month," Foelich read from the testimony. "The Cancer Council has been important along the way. With the added expenses of travel, lodging, meds and especially insurance, it makes a very difficult situation even harder. I can't stress enough how impactful it is for a family to be able to focus on life and treatment and not stress over expenses."
The client also shared that his 6-year-old daughter underwent open-heart surgery at just 8 days old, followed by three additional surgeries and a six-month stay in a Kansas City ICU.
Richardson said United Way currently supports 15 partner agencies, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, High Plains Mental Health Center, The Salvation Army and the Hays Senior Center.
You can donate to the campaign through one-time or monthly contributions of any amount, as well as round-up donations made via debit or credit cards.
You can also make a payroll deduction through your employer.
Richardson said campaign activities include Pumpkin Packers collecting donations during the three homecoming parades and the mug toss at Oktoberfest.
"We don't get rich on it, but every little bit helps so we can help a child or a family in need," he said.
Richardson said a new United Way executive director has been hired, with a formal announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Other events highlighted at the kick-off are
Reality U, scheduled for Nov. 5 and 6, is a financial literacy event designed for middle and high school students, helping them prepare for adulthood and future employment. Volunteers are needed.
The Dueling Pianos Fundraiser, an evening of food, drinks and live music, is set for Feb. 7. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of The Chamber in Hays, introduced multiple speakers during the event and made several announcements.
She said a high school career experience day is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Oct. 29 at Hays High School to connect students with local career opportunities and encourage them to stay in Ellis County after graduation.