Graham United Way kicks off annual fundraiser

Graham Area United Way kicked off its fundraising campaign Friday announcing the organization has reached 48% of its 2022-2023 goal of $100,000. The nonprofit organization raises funds within the community through the campaign to benefit local partnered agencies.

The organization is raising funds in support of 10 area agencies: Bethel Children’s Day Care, Graham Backpack Buddies, Graham Crisis Center, Graham Girls Softball, Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army - Graham Unit, Graham Senior Citizen Center, Virginia’s House, Young County 4-H and the Young County Child Welfare Board.

Each year, the organization raises funds before their campaign to start off their fundraising efforts through the end of the year. During the kickoff meeting Friday, Sept. 23, the organization announced a total of $48,614 has been raised, which is 48% of the $100,000 goal. That number is the combined funding raised through three areas which are Advanced Gifts, Pacesetters and Graham ISD.

The Advanced Gifts portion of funding raised before the kickoff includes individuals and corporation contributions. A total of $23,703, or 23% of the total campaign goal, was raised through funding in Advanced Gifts.

The Pacesetters portion of funding raised before the kickoff, includes employees of Interbank, Graham Savings, First State Bank, Ciera Bank, United Supermarkets and Walmart. A total of $14,619, or 14% of the total campaign goal, was raised through funding in Pacesetters.

The GISD position of funding raised before the kickoff includes the employees of the school district. A total of $10,292, or 10% of the total campaign goal, was raised through GISD.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 28 edition of The Graham Leader.