United Way Sets $6 Million Campaign Goal

More than 750 volunteers and supporters filled the Civic Center Exhibit Hall today for Lubbock Area United Way’s 2016 Annual Campaign Kick-Off. The 2016 Campaign Chair, Amber Dean with City Bank, announced this year’s campaign goal of $6,026,041, which is the largest goal United Way has ever attempted.

“United Way embodies what is best about our community: the collective power of many coming together to change lives and give hope,” Dean said. “In order for our community to thrive, it takes all of us working together.”

The keynote speaker for the event was Mark Griffin, President of Rip Griffin Companies. A Lexus Champions for Charity Golf Package, provided by Alderson Lexus, was auctioned off in a live auction.

Money raised during the Annual Campaign is invested in the Lubbock area through United Way’s 23 Community Partners. These partners work year-round to address issues in the community by making positive changes in people’s lives.

Real Estate Division Chair Kendra Rieff with Keller Williams Realty, announced that Lubbock realtors had kicked off their campaign early and have raised $67,929.

JumpStart Division Chair Seth Schulz with PlainsCapital Bank, announced the results of six local businesses that ran their United Way workplace campaigns prior to the beginning of the campaign.

Results for specific JumpStart companies are listed below:

  • Kinetico of West Texas       $ 3,737

  • Happy State Bank              $ 24,149

  • PlainsCapital Bank             $ 86,453

  • City Bank                            $ 100,305

  • United Supermarkets          $ 342,127

  • Covenant Health                 $ 471,917

The Real Estate and JumpStart Division combined total is $1,096,617, representing 18.2% of the overall goal raised by the official start of the campaign.

United Way’s Mid-Campaign Report Luncheon will take place in the Civic Center Banquet Hall on October 13 and the campaign will wrap up with a Victory Report Luncheon on November 29. There is no charge to attend either event. Seating can be reserved now by sending an email to events@unitedway-lubbock.org or calling 806.747.2711.

Lubbock Area United Way’s 23 Community Partners work daily in the Lubbock community to assist people with needs such as affordable child care, crisis situations, character development, adult literacy, job training, and youth mentoring.  A complete list of the Community Partners and the services they provide can be found online at www.liveunitedlubbock.org.