The United Way of Central Kansas held its 2015 Campaign kick-off on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Great Bend. With the theme “Lights, Camera, United Way in Action,” there was a old Hollywood feek to the event.
Following the dinner, Chicago stand-up comic Pat McGann entertained the crowd. The hall was filled with non-stop laughter as McGann took the stage for an hour, poking fun at various officials and others in the crowd.
The 2015 kickoff  was a sold out crowd and was successful due to the executive board members, co-chairs, agencies, volunteers and attendees, said UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner Smith.
 Smith said UWCK raised $28,000. This along with presentations from top 20 United Way payroll companies mean the annual drive is starting at 20 percent of its goal.
“With the target raised to $270,000 it is more important to reach out to the community to help with the agencies needs,” she said. “Our community is very giving of time and talent and this year UWCK is having a pay it forward campaign.”
The United Way has pay it forward cards that can be obtained at the office. “Please pick some up if you would like to have your business, family or civic group make a difference in the community. There is no age limit on kindness,” Smith said.
The 2015 campaign co-chairs are Laura and Jim Smith, Dr. Charlie and Denise Joslin, Dr. Perry and Krista Smith, and the Pacesetters chair is Rick Chochon,
For more information, call Bugner-Smith at 620-792-2403 or go to uwck.org. The office is located at 1125 Williams in the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce building.