United Way to kick off 2018 campaign Aug. 17

Metro Wire Staff

United Way of Portage County will kick off its 2018 campaign Friday, Aug. 17.

The free, public event will be held at P.J. Jacobs Junior High School and includes the introduction of the 2018 campaign drive chairs, unveiling the 2018 campaign video, revealing pacesetter results from early campaigns, and giving people a firsthand look at United Way’s Project Fresh Start.

This year’s campaign drive chairs includes of a team of five women representing various ages; Kathy Davies, Amber Houck, Vikki Nason, Shannon Semmerling, and Anna Weisbrod, all of Stevens Point.

“Many of these drive chairs didn’t even know each other before United Way connected them, but all share a connection to United Way that will be highlighted as part of this year’s campaign theme – ‘I am. We are. What it means to LIVE UNITED,’” said Fred Hebblewhite, UWPC’s director of resource development.

Hebblewhite said the drive chairs will share their United Way stories, along with other members of the community at the kickoff event. The 2018 campaign video featuring Stevens Point native Kathy Kinney, an actress best known for playing Mimi Bobek on “The Drew Carey Show” in the 1990s, will also premiere at the kickoff.

Results from early pacesetter campaigns held at the Village of Plover, the United Way Endowment, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, and Delta Dental of Wisconsin will also be revealed.

The kickoff will also include a behind-the-scenes look at Project Fresh Start, United Way’s school supply drive serving 1,100 area youth each year. Project Fresh Start will be held at P.J. Jacobs on Saturday, Aug. 18.

The United Way of Portage County 2018 Campaign will take place throughout Portage County at approximately 200 worksites, via direct mail, and through other individual and organizational giving.

Donors of $52 or more to the 2018 United Way campaign will receive a GIVE & GET UNITED Coupon Book. Eligible donors of $52 or more will also be automatically entered into the LIVE UNITED – GIVE UNITED Sweepstakes for a chance to win several prizes, including their choice of one of six vehicles, including a 2019 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab 4×4 valued at more than $42,000, donated by Scaffidi Motors.

For more information about the campaign, call (715) 341-6740, email [email protected], or visit www.unitedwaypoco.org.