Local United Way kicks off 2016-2017 capital campaign

Saturday, September 10, 2016

SIKESTON -- Increasing community outreach and organizing fundraisers are among this year's goals set by the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way. Friday marked the kickoff for the United Way's 2016-2017 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $85,000. The Board of Directors and agency representatives gathered to discuss the campaign during the lunch hour in the meeting room at Drury Inn and Suites and Miner. "We're trying to get out there and let people know more about us and what we're all about because the United Way is a good organization, and it's about partnering and working together to strengthen our community," said Shawnna Gerding, executive director of the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way. The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way supports 16 agencies in Scott, Stoddard, New Madrid, Mississippi, Pemiscot, Dunklin and Butler counties. For some of the agencies, the United Way is the only donated funds they receive. Lisa Hicks, assistant area supervisor with the OAKS Center in Sikeston, also during the kickoff presented information about Aging Matters, which oversees the OAKS nutrition centers in Southeast Missouri. United Way board members are also visiting with each of the agencies it serves in an effort to become better educated about the services they provide, Gerding said. The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way's Facebook page has helped get information out to the public and is frequently updated, Gerding said. She also plans to put a website together after Jan. 1. "I'm having fun, but I'm also learning because I just started in January. The Board of Directors have been helpful," Gerding said. Advanced mailing for this year's campaign has already been sent out, Gerding said. "Now that letters are out, I'll be contacting the large employers," Gerding said, adding payroll deductions have historically been successful for the campaign. Some presentations at employee meetings are scheduled, she said. In addition to outreach, the United Way is organizing more fundraisers to supplement its income. "We are doing more fundraisers and trying to offer more assistance to the agencies we fund and attending their events," said Mark Christian, president of Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way and chairman of the fundraising campaign. Recently, the organization raised $286.18 from Buffalo Wild Wings in Sikeston and $164.15 from patrons who donated money at the event for a total of $450.33. Its next fundraiser is planned for 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday at Pizza Inn in Sikeston. United Way will receive 10 percent of all beverage and food sales for both dine-in and carryout during the designated time period. Gerding said she's excited about the fundraisers. "I hope it grows and evolves and gets really big," she said. Christian stressed donations to Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way stay local. "The only thing we pay are a few fees for United Way and propriety signage and so forth -- and outside of that, it all stays here," Christian said. Gerding agreed. She said 1 percent of what Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way earns goes to United Way worldwide. Christian said: "It's important for people to understand that what they give stays here." For more information, call 573-471-0310 or visit the Facebook page: "Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way." The United Way's mailing address is PO Box 536; Sikeston, MO 63801. The United Way is housed in the First State Community Bank, located at 201 N. Main Street in Sikeston.

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