The Brown County United Way held their annual campaign kickoff event on Wednesday at Underwood’s Cafeteria to begin their fundraising efforts to benefit local non-profit organizations.
The Underwood family opened their doors during lunch Wednesday, a day they are usually closed, in order to support the United Way and donated 100% of the proceeds from this event directly to the Brown County United Way.
The restaurant was packed with United Way supporters during the event raising $4,039.23.
According to Brown County United Way Executive Director Karen Lynch, it was a steady crowd during the event, and she offered thanks to the many supporters.
“Thank you to the community, the United Way board members, and to the United Way agencies who supported and helped staff the event,” said Lynch. “I want to also say ‘thank you’ to the Underwood’s for their hospitality and generosity.”
Host Paul Underwood also helped serve guests along with his wife Jill and many of their employees who volunteered to help with the event on their day off. He stated that people often ask him why he would do this event each year.
“I’m not on the board now, but had served for 5 or 6 years before, and I just think this is the most effective way to give back to the community,” said Underwood. “Through the organization I know that the money is not being funneled through some bureaucracy.”
The Brown County United Way supports the following organizations in our community: American Red Cross, The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Latch Key, Mid-Texas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Family Services Center, CASA, Cancer Services Network, Salvation Army Loaves & Fishes, 4-H and Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens.
For more information about the United Way, contact Karen Lynch at 325-643-5084.
Pictured at top is Lynch and Underwood during the kickoff event.
United Way board member Missi Malone helps serve customers during the Underwood’s kickoff event.
