August 24, 2018 | Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
By Sarah Self-Walbrick
The Lubbock Area United Way kicked off its annual campaign Thursday with a luncheon at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
Campaign Chairman Doug Hensley, headquarters administrator and in-house chaplain for Reagor-Dykes Auto Group, announced this year’s campaign goal is $5,935,151.
Thanks to the real estate and jump start divisions, who begin raising funds before the official start of the campaign, nearly $1.2 million, 20 percent of the overall goal, has already been raised.
Hensley said the money raised through the campaign will help fund the Lubbock Area United Way’s 23 community partner agencies. Last year, the Lubbock agency impacted over 119,000 people.
“United Way is refocusing its efforts to address some of the most pressing issues in our community - education, child abuse, sex trafficking and mental health,” Hensley said. “These are not things we address alone. These are things we must address together as a community.”
The annual campaign raises money with the help of community volunteers, businesses and state employees who participate in a variety of programs and events throughout the three-month long fundraiser.
“We are neighbors. We want the best for our kids, whether they have our name or not,” Pope said. “We are Lubbock. We need to be experts in the hope business.”
Upcoming events supporting the campaign include the 11th annual Live United Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Sept. 17 at Hillcrest Country Club. Sponsorships and participation slots are still available, but are limited.
The campaign will close with the Victory Report Luncheon on Nov. 27 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.