The United Way of the Pennyrile is on a mission to raise $700,000 for 18 partner agencies across Christian, Todd and Trigg Counties. On Tuesday, United Way members spotlighted their mission and progress at a joint Hopkinsville Rotary and Kiwanis Club meeting.
The Hopkinsville War Memorial Building was crowded with Rotarians, Kiwanians, United Way campaign members and some of those from the 18 partner agencies of this year’s campaign.
The agencies set to benefit from this year’s campaign include the Aaron McNeil House, Sanctuary, Inc., the Hopkinsville-Christian County YMCA, the Christian County Rescue Team and many more.
United Way Executive Director, Betsy Bond welcomed guests and shared that she saw multiple people in attendance who have worked on United Way campaigns or have served on their board of directors and thanked them for their work.
To spotlight the work of the partner agencies, Sheryl Ellis, the President of the Hopkinsville-Christian County YMCA, shared how her organization serves the community. Ellis says the YMCA has programs that support those who are six weeks old and up to the age of their oldest member who is 92 years old. Some of those programs include, swim lessons, youth sports and their Parkinson’s Disease program.
United Way Campaign Chair, Martha Steil spotlighted the campaign’s theme, “Shine like the Stars.” She says the theme is about being the light of hope for those facing dark moments.
Then for some friendly competition, Steil hosted a trivia competition between Kiwanians and Rotarians. The teams were asked questions about the United Way’s partner agencies and Rotary came out on top.
When the United Way launched its campaign in September, it was announced that they had already raised around $205,000. At the meeting, it was announced that they are now at around $253,000.
Bond is set to retire from her role following this year’s campaign. Steil announced that Melanie Noffsinger will be the next Executive Director of the United Way. Noffsinger has worked on past United Way campaigns and has worked with other nonprofits.
Noffsinger says she is excited to take on the role and will spend her time learning more about the day-to-day duties of leading a campaign and working with partner agencies.
Noffsinger will take over next year. Those interested in donating or learning more about the United Way’s campaign can visit pennyrileunitedway.org.
