County’s United Fund seeks end of year donations

On Sept. 17, Marion County’s United Fund, a non-profit collection group that solicits funds that in turn are given to various helping agencies in the county, will have its 2009-10 Campaign Kick-off Gala.

The Fund benefits county residents through its support of firefighters, the Council of Aging, and the Department of Social Services Bare Cupboard and Traveler’s Aid programs. But before the September event, the books for the 2008-09 Campaign need to be closed out.

The United Fund board members are collecting those last minute gifts that will help the Fund make its goal of $60,000. To date, the Fund is about $8,000 short of its goal. Last year the Fund collected $61,343.97 for use in Marion County.

The third annual fundraising gala for the United Fund of Marion County on Sept. 17 will kick off the giving campaign for the next year and will be in the Marion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 106 S. Main St.
This year’s guest speaker for the annual gala has not been announced, though nationally syndicated columnist Armstrong Williams and nationally known baseball player Bobby Richardson have entertained the community in the past.
At this year’s gala, there will also be another silent auction to raise money during the evening.
The United Fund Board invites anyone to donate an item, their time or service to help raise money in the community that is put back into the community. For information about the Fund or giving to it, call Executive Secretary Judy Stanton at (843) 431-3411.