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Campaign News |
September 15, 2006
United Way Kickoff A Winning TEAM – United Way and YOU is the theme for this year’s Campaign Kick-Off and what better person to be teamed with than Former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Fame member, Rayfield Wright. Wright will be on hand to kick-off this year’s United Way of Parker County’s Campaign and will be there to visit with everyone, sign autographs and to personally sign his book “Wright Up Front”. Mayor Joe Tison, UWPC Campaign Chair commented, “There was no hesitation when we asked him to appear. He is such a compassionate and special person and we are honored that he is taking the time to be a part of this special event.” Lowe’s Home Improvement Center wanted to help with this year’s campaign and they offered to host the Kick-Off. Eric Griswald, general manager and Ventura Monrreal commercial manager of Lowe’s have worked hand in hand with the Kick-Off Committee and have helped in creating a truly different experience. “We wanted to do something different and with Lowe’s help we have accomplished just that” says Raj Patel, UWPC Board Member and Kick-Off Chair. “The Kick-Off will take place on Saturday, September 16 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, in front of the Garden Center at Lowe’s. Lowe’s has donated a large gas grill to raffle off at the event and Best Buy, Pets Mart and Kohl’s have added items to the raffle, so instead of having just one raffle item participants will have more chances of winning something nice. Almost every business in the Weatherford Market Center will be participating in one way or another. Many of the restaurants will be providing free food and drinks other businesses will have give-a-ways.” The highlight of the event is the Mayor’s Race which will take place on tricycles. “The idea started, says Kay Greer executive Director of UWPC, with Mayor Joe Tison of Weatherford being the Campaign Chair. I thought when I suggested the idea to the mayor he would think I was crazy and back away, but when I mentioned it he said ‘Go For It!’ Since then several mayors from Parker County have said, sure, it sounds like fun and it is for a good cause.” Participating mayors will be Kit Marshal of Aledo, Pat Deen of Hudson Oaks and Brad Johnson of Willow Park. Target is donating the tricycles and after the race the tricycles will be donated to the children of the Freedom House, Crossroads, Child Protective Services and the Angel Tree. Partner Agencies are always encouraged to help with the campaign and this year they are building soap box cars for the Kick-Off. They will race the soap box cars and also have them displayed. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite soap box or agency for the best decorated and also for which one they think will win the race. Votes are $1 each and the agencies and United Way will share the proceeds. Some of the participating agencies are Parker County Committee on Aging, Crossroads Youth Ministry, Center of Hope, Red Cross, Manna, Girl Scouts and Freedom House. “The Kick-Off Committee has worked very hard to make this an event that all can enjoy,” states Sue Zacharias, UWPC Board President. “We are very proud of what our United Way has been able to accomplish in the last five years. Last year because of the charitable giving of the people in Parker County we were able distribute $240,000 to area programs which help people in Parker County. Our mission is to improve lives and build a stronger, healthier community and become the leader in creating lasting changes in lives and our community. And that is just what we are doing. This year we were able to add new programs and are able to help more people in more ways than ever before. We have a great board that is very conscientious and is dedicated to making a difference in our community and the people we serve. We are all very proud to be able to be a part of the good things United Way is able to accomplish through the donations we receive.” UWPC currently provides funding for over 30 vital programs through 19 partner agencies. The money raised through last year’s campaign provided counseling and therapy for rape and abuse victims, assistance with prescription costs and lunches for seniors, food, utility assistance and clothing for those in need, medicine for low income cancer patients, plus youth development programs, counseling and camp scholarships. With the tremendous growth in the county UWPC is anticipating even more requests for funding than any previous year. The needs continue to increase for many families in Parker County and new programs are being developed to aid in the ongoing requests for assistance. The goal for this year’s campaign is $165,000. Last year UWPC raised $157,000 locally, an additional $100,000 was raised via outside employers’ campaigns throughout the metro-plex. Although, many businesses here in Parker County offer Employee Campaigns, many people do not realize, that even if you work outside of Parker County, you can have your work place donation or payroll deduction designated to Parker County United Way. “The best thing about giving to the United Way of Parker County is that the dollars stay here locally to be invested in our community, helping friends and neighbors. Every single donation counts and makes a real difference. Dollars raised in our campaign are critical to the agencies and programs we partner with. Your support help keeps these programs available, making our community a great place to live and work.” said Greer. Lowe’s is located in the Weatherford Market Center at I-20 and South Main in Weatherford. Everyone is invited to attend the Kick-Off. For more information on the Kick-Off you may call the United Way office at (817)596-0456. Donations to the campaign may be mailed to United Way of Parker County, P.O. Box 1476, Weatherford Texas 76086 or you can donate by credit card by going to their web-site at www.unitedwayofparkercounty.org. |
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August 4, 2006 Mayor Tison to Chair Campaign
Tison was elected Mayor, City of Weatherford, in 2000 and is now serving his fourth term. He is a long time resident of Parker County, a graduate of Weatherford College, Tarleton State University, and received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from North Texas State University. Tison has a long list of accomplishments including Weatherford Rotary Club Past-President, Weatherford Optimist Club Past President and Lt. Governor, City of Weatherford Parks and Recreation Board, Past President, City of Weatherford Long Range Planning Committee Chairman, City of Weatherford Community Center Advisory Committee, United Way Board of Directors, Central Christian Church Elder, Past Board Chairman, and Past Chairman of the Parker County Crime Commission. Kay Greer, Executive Director for United Way of Parker Co. says “It is such an honor to have Mayor Tison chair the 2006 campaign. Last year he served as one of 8 divisional chairs for the campaign. We were so impressed with his dedication and ideas that we knew he was the right person for the 2006 campaign. He has always been a strong leader in the community and we know he will also be a strong leader of this year’s campaign.” “It is an honor to accept this responsibility to do something for those who need the special services United Way can offer, Tison shared. “All of us have that responsibility. As we enter this campaign, it is more than asking those who can to donate their money, it is about asking Parker County citizens to help each other.” The United Way of Parker County’s mission is to improve lives and build a stronger, healthier community. Their vision is to be the leader in the effort to create lasting changes in people’s lives and community conditions. “What Matters.” Working together to make an impact, change lives and build a strong community is what it’s all about. The United Way of Parker County helps provide a strong support system in this community through its partner agencies and programs. As we ‘listen to our hearts,’ we realize that these support systems need and deserve our volunteer hours and dollars. The many partner agencies and programs work tirelessly to continue to provide life changing resources for our community members in need. As this year’s campaign begins, we urge you to ‘listen to your hearts’ and contribute your dollars and talents to the United Way.” “We are thrilled to have Mayor Tison as our 2006 Campaign Chair” adds Sue Zacharias, UWPC Board President. “We couldn't have asked for a better community leader who has always been supportive of United Way's efforts in Parker County. With his compassion and his visibility, we look forward to another successful campaign.” The annual campaign, to raise money for Community Health and Human Service programs in Parker County, will begin officially in September. Donations are welcome at any time, but the official campaign time is September through December. Last year the United Way of Parker County was able to distribute $240,000 to over 30 vital community programs provided through their 18 partner agencies. Donations received through the United Way support programs which target these areas; Investing in Our Youth, Caring for Our Elderly, Overcoming Crisis and Health & Wellness and all money raised in Parker County stays in Parker County. This year’s Campaign Goal will be announced at the Annual Campaign Kick-Off in September, 2006 as well as this year’s Pacesetters. Pacesetters are companies or individuals that pledge, contribute or conduct an employee campaign prior to the Kick-Off. Special recognition is given to those that set the pace for the campaign. If you or your company would like to be a Pacesetter, are interested in becoming involved, make a donation or volunteer your time, talent or resources contact United Way office at PO Box 1476, Weatherford, Texas 76086, call 817-596-5986 or e-mail to uwaypc@sbcglobal.net . For more information, you may also visit the United Way website: www.unitedwayofparkercounty.org. |
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Feb 12, 2006 CAMPAIGN REACHES GOAL Thanks to the hard work of Campaign Chair, Pat Hamilton along with his Campaign Team, United Way of Parker County was able achieve the $150,000 goal. New Car Dealers Jerry’s, Southwest Ford and Hook’s Lincoln Mercury donated amounts to bring UWPC very close to the goal. At the end of January UWPC was so close, but just couldn’t seem to make it over the last hump”, but Friday, February 10 newly opened Crockett National Bank offered to make up the difference to place UWPC over the goal. CAMPAIGN TEAM Campaign Chair Committee Chairs With the dedicated efforts of this year’s team and the influx of new and generous businesses the campaign was able to increase by $18,000 over last year’s achievements. Many metro-plex employers conduct United Way Employee Campaigns and allow their employees to direct their contribution to our county. Another $80,000 to $100,000 is expected from Parker County residents employed by Lockheed-Martin, Bell Helicopter, Alcon, Burlington Northern and other metro-plex employers. This is additional money not included in our local goal, but allows UWPC to fund more programs. Last year $205,000 was allocated to local health and human service programs. With this year’s success UWPC will be able to invest $240,000 into the vital programs and services in our community and also help in establishing new essential service.
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Campaign Kick 0ff 2005 |
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