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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 looking to make one final fundraising push as it has reached 88% of the way to meeting their goal of $100,000.
As the year comes to close so does the fundraising efforts for Graham Area United Way. The organization is making one final push for donations to meet their campaign goal.
The organization is currently at 88% of its $100,000 fundraising goal. Last year’s campaign raised around $90,000, but this year they are looking to hit or exceed what their goal.
“We are so grateful for those who support our campaign year after year and are excited to have added some new donors this year as well,” GAUW Executive Director Lexee Alberts said.
Funds raised in the campaign go to Bethel Children’s Daycare, Graham Backpack Buddies, Virginia’s House, Meals on Wheels, Graham Senior Citizens Center, Graham Crisis Center and Young County 4-H.
“We make it easy for individuals to make a difference in the community by donating any amount they are able to give,” Alberts said. “When companies support GAUW at a larger scale, they are supporting not only our agencies but also our efforts to provide an avenue for all citizens in Graham to give back to our community.”
Donations for the 2025 campaign will be received through Wednesday, Dec. 31. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to PO Box 333 Graham, TX 76450. The organization also has Venmo and PayPal accounts for online donations available at grahamareaunitedway.com.
“The goal of GAUW and all of our volunteers is to raise as much money as possible to distribute back to our nonprofit agencies,” Alberts said. “They are in the trenches meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, and we want to support their financial needs as much as possible.”
This is the first fundraising campaign for Alberts who took over the position from Susie Cerecedez, who retired in May.
“It has truly been a blessing to play a part in supporting our nonprofit agencies in Graham. I am constantly amazed at all they are doing for our community and the surrounding area,” she said. “Their hearts for service keep me striving toward our fundraising goal. The work is never finished as long as we have neighbors in need.”
Planning for the campaign is a year-round process to help support the community and meet the fundraising goals.
“Most of the fundraising we do takes place in the fall, so we spend the summer preparing pledge cards, marketing materials and potential donor lists,” Alberts said. “In the coming winter months we will finalize our 2025 fundraising totals and hear presentations from local nonprofits seeking funding from GAUW in 2026.”
The volunteer team for GAUW consists of the executive committee, board of directors, organization cabinet and allocations committee, which all play a vital role in building the campaign plans each year.
“Our executive team and board provide guidance while our organization cabinet consists of individuals who are going out into the community to secure donations. These individuals visit local businesses, organize company-wide giving and mail out pledge cards to a variety of businesses and individual community members,” Alberts said.
Those that are interested in volunteering for the organization can reach out to Alberts at lexee@grahamareaunitedway.com. The executive director said the outpouring of support has shown her the uniqueness of Graham.
“I am so thankful to our over 40 volunteers who have given of their time and gifts these past few months to help us in our fundraising efforts,” Alberts said. “As someone new to this role and also the community, I am touched by how we come together to support our neighbors. Graham is a great place to live and it’s important we continue in a spirit of generosity to sustain it for generations to come.”
New nonprofit agencies are welcome to apply in January to benefit from funds raised in the campaign. The organization’s allocation committee reviews applications and hears presentations from each nonprofit agency and votes on how to distribute funding.
“Each year we receive applications from local nonprofit agencies who would like to receive funding from GAUW. These agencies must have been in operation for at least three years and have a board of directors. They must also provide financial statements and proof for how the funding will be utilized,” Alberts said.
For more information about the local fundraising organization, visit grahamareaunitedway.com, or call 940-549-5152.
