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(ALEX HAVARDANKSY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Volunteers with Graham Area United Way pose for a photo during the organization’s kickoff luncheon Thursday, Sept. 18 at North Central Texas College. The organization is 47% of the way to meeting their goal of $100,000. -
(ALEX HAVARDANKSY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Audience members eat during the kickoff event Thursday, Sept. 18 for Graham Area United Way at North Central Texas College. The organization is 47% of the way to meeting their goal of $100,000.
Graham Area United Way announced a $100,000 fundraising goal last week for the seven local agencies it supports and are 47% of the way to achieving that mark.
GAUW hosted a kickoff luncheon Thursday, Sept. 18 with new Executive Director Lexee Alberts introducing the volunteers and agencies supported by the organization. Alberts took over the director role from Susie Cerecedez who retired in May.
“We have a wide variety of people here, from volunteers, community supporters and our agencies, and we’re so thankful for everything that you all do,” Alberts said. “It would not happen without everyone, and we are definitely fortunate to have such a great group of supporters.”
The organization announced last week it had already raised $46,815.79 of its $100,000 goal. The amount was raised through pacesetters funding of $9,990.64, Graham ISD employee funding of $7,842.20 and $19,067 through advanced gifts.
The seven agencies which are benefiting from the fundraising campaign are Bethel Children’s Daycare, Graham Backpack Buddies, Graham Crisis Center, Meals on Wheels, Graham Senior Citizens Center, Virginia’s House and Young County 4-H.
“I really see us as the largest fundraising opportunity in the community, as far as getting out in the community to individuals, to businesses and to even the education department to raise those funds,” Alberts said. “What I’m learning from all of our agencies is that the more that we can fundraise, the more they can focus on doing the vital work of serving our community.”
The GAUW bylaws state that an organization has to be established as an agency for three years in the community before they can request the support of the local United Way as well as have a board of directors.
“As we raise more money, we’re also able to support more agencies in the community,” Alberts said. “Something that we do that helps people just to know where their funding is going is we do a financial review, so we’re looking at where that money is going.”
For more information regarding the organization, or to donate online, visit grahamareaunitedway.com.
GAUW Benefiting Agencies
Bethel Children’s Daycare Center
Bethel Children’s Daycare Center has been open in Graham since 1968 and has served over 4,000 children. The center provides care for children from six weeks through 12 years old, including children with special needs.
Graham Backpack Buddies
The goal of Graham Backpack Buddies is to eliminate children hunger in the community and identify students who meet the criteria of being chronically hungry. The organization, made up of volunteers, works to pack shelf-stable food for children that can be delivered to schools every week.
Graham Crisis Center
Graham Crisis Center is a nonprofit umbrella organization which includes the Nifty Thrifty thrift store, The Food Pantry, Harry’s House women’s crisis shelter and the Benevolence Fund. The organization provides supplemental food assistance, free counseling, benevolence assistance to and lodging to single women or women and their children.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels in Graham provides meals five days a week to senior citizens within the community who have age-related illnesses and disabilities. The program is run by a group of volunteers who coordinate the delivery of meals.
Graham Senior Citizen Center
Graham Senior Citizen Center has three main programs: a congregate meal program at the center, Meals on Wheels and a transportation program. The transportation program provides trips for community members within Graham with a priority on medical trips.
Virginia’s House
Virginia’s House is an umbrella organization including a Children’s Advocacy Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, mentor and prevention programs and crime victims assistance. The organization seeks to help children and their families who suffer from all types of abuse, as well as help children who are in situations of risk.
Young County 4-H
The Young County 4-H program through the extension office helps to prepare area youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescent and adulthood through a coordinated, long-term series of educational experiences to enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.
