The Brown County United Way held their 2017 Campaign Kick-off at Underwood’s Cafeteria on Wednesday, raising just over $4600 according to owner Paul Underwood. Underwood’s pitched in and raised that amount to a total of $5000. This year’s luncheon raised $1365 more than last year’s event, which is a record amount.
Underwood’s hosted the kick-off, donating the profits from the day to the campaign as they have for more than a decade. Wednesday is a day the restaurant is usually closed, and the employees donated their time for the day. United Way board members and agencies were on hand to pass out rolls and help bus tables.
The 2017 campaign goal has been set at $250,000, according to Karen Lynch, Executive Director for the Brown County United Way.
“We are so grateful to Underwood’s, their employees and the entire community for coming out today and helping us help 14 worthy agencies for 2017,” said Lynch. “Without all of the community support we would be unable to do the amount of good we are able to do.”
In conjunction with the kick-off, the Brown County United Way is holding a “Stuff the Bus” campaign to collect school supplies for the school children of Brown County. The bus was parked at the corner of Underwood’s parking lot during the event.
There will be a school bus parked in a few locations throughout town to collect supplies. The bus will be located at the following locations:
Monday, August 8rd, 2016 – United Supermarket 10:00am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 – Brookshire’s 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016 – Underwood’s 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday, August 11th, 2016 – Staples 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, August 12th, 2016 – Wal-Mart 12:00pm – 6:00pm
The supplies collected will be distributed by the Salvation Army to students in the Brown County Independent School Districts of Bangs, Blanket, Brookesmith, Brownwood, Early, May & Zephyr.
The Brown County United Way currently supports 14 agencies that benefit the people of Brown County: American Red Cross, The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter, Brown County 4-H Clubs, Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens, Brown County Home Solutions, Brownwood Community Resource Council for the benefit of TJJD youth, Boys & Girls Club, Cancer Services Network, CASA, Early Childhood Intervention, Family Services Center, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key, and Salvation Army Loaves & Fishes.
Pictured at top (left to right) is Paul Underwood with volunteers from local businesses, 3M Plant Manager Paul Aufenkamp, and Howard Payne University’s First Lady Dr. Diana Ellis, co-chair of the 2017 campaign. Below Paul Underwood and volunteers serve United Way supporters during the event.
