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THEY HAVE ARRIVED
United Way reaches goal; drive dedicated to long-time servant
new deh united way goal pic
United Way of Central Kansas announced Thursday that it has met its 2014 goal of $250,000. Pictured from left to right in front of the thermometer on the Family Crisis Center lawn Thursday afternoon are Paulette Soupiset (co-chair), Ronda Sjogren, Erika Brining, Desa Marmie, UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner Smith, Linda Marmie (co-chair), Angie Maddy (co-chair), Bill Maddy, (co-chair) and Becca Maxwell. Two co-chairs, Kevyn Soupiset and Jerry Marmie, are not pictured. - photo by DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

It was a bitter-sweet occasion for the United Way of Central Kansas.
On Thursday afternoon, UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner Smith announced the 2014 campaign had met its $250,000 goal. But, the announcement followed the death of long-time United Way associate Delores Newell, who passed away Friday at her Great Bend home.
“We are dedicating this campaign to her,” Smith said. “She was an awesome asset to United Way of Central Kansas and was a team player helping in the office.”
Newell would have been proud of the drive’s conclusion.
Spearheading the effort this year were co-chairs Bill and Angie Maddy, Jerry and Linda Marmie, and Kevyn and Paulette Soupiset. The campaign included the first-ever paint run in August designed for youth participation, the “Sail Away with United Way” kick-off event in September and the Stuff the Bus events in Great Bend, Ellinwood and Larned. 
Theses were in addition to the traditional business contributions, payroll deductions and other donations.
“I see communities coming together and realizing the impact the agencies we serve,” Smith said of the joint efforts of Barton and Pawnee counties which make up UWCK. UWCK helps fund 21 agencies in its coverage area.
 “It takes everyone’s contribution, big and small to meet the goal,” she said. She stressed, however, that even though the goal has been met, contributions can be made. 
“United Way is proud that 99 percent stays local in the community,” Smith said. That is growing in importance as many of the agencies UWCK serves face funding cuts.
“The need is larger than ever before,” she said.  “This involvement among the communities makes sure  the services can build stronger families, provide health care, food, intervention, prevention and treatment for those in need.
“Thank you to the everyone for their continued support and making a difference in their community,” she said. “A special thanks goes to the agencies that go above and beyond to make sure our community is a better place to live.” 
Started by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders 51 years ago, the fundraising effort evolved from a community drive to a county-wide drive. Today, it is an  effort that combines Barton and Pawnee counties.
 To contact United Way of Central Kansas or to register for the kick-off event or for more information, visit the office at 1125 Williams in Great Bend, call 620-792-2403, e-mail unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com, or visit uwck.org and to the “events” tab.