Graham Area United Way in final stretch of fundraising

Since announcing their fundraising goal of $100,000 at the end of September, Graham Area United Way has raised 74%, or $73,586.13, and is making a final push to reach the goal.

GAUW began March 3, 1956 during a meeting of the civic committee of the Graham Chamber of Commerce. Since then, the organization has grown to encompass 250-plus volunteers on the executive board, board of directors, allocation board, campaign organization cabinet, packet workers, public speakers and individuals from businesses which assist through employee pledges and programs.

GAUW kicked off their 2019-2020 fundraising campaign Tuesday, Sept. 24, announcing their goal of $100,000 and that the organization raised a total of $53,811.95, or 53% of their goal, through their efforts before the kickoff campaign.

GAUW will have one of their last fundraising campaigns Friday, Nov. 1, with a drawing for a donated trailer. The drawing will happen in front of United Supermarkets at 5 p.m. in Graham and tickets will be sold on the day of the drawing. Last year, the organization raised $4,861 from the event and are on track with $3,501 raised this year.

Along with the trailer fundraiser, the organization is hosting a Pampered Pick Me Up drawing fundraiser which has 25 units of botox from Skin Essential and Laser Center, eyelash extensions from Adorn Signature Salon and an hour massage by Julie Tennant. Tickets for both drawings can also be obtained by calling the GAUW office at 940-549-5152.

GAUW Executive Director Susie Cerecedez said she attributes the funds raised up to now to the community, but said the organization is now looking for those who might be new to donating to the organization.

“We have gotten there by the generosity of the community and individuals in the community that give,” Cerecedez said. “People don’t realize when they give to us they are actually giving back to themselves. (...) We are down to where we need new contributors. We are going to have to reach out to individuals in the community and ask them for donations.”

Ten local agencies are supported by the funds provided by GAUW. Those organizations are Bethel Children’s Daycare, Graham Backpack Buddies, Graham Girls Softball, Graham Youth Baseball, Meals-On-Wheels, The Salvation Army - Graham Unit, Graham Senior Citizen Center, Virginia’s House Family Resource Center, Young County 4-H Club and the Young County Child Welfare Board.

For the rest of the story, see the Saturday, Oct. 26 edition of The Graham Leader.