The United Way of Central Kansas is holding its annual Stuff the Bus campaign Wednesday. Below are the times and locations:
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both Great Bend Dillons locations and at Wal-Mart.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Ellinwood at Family Foods and Dollar General.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hoisington at Town & Country Supermarket and Dollar General.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Larned at Dollar General and at Dillons.
In addition, tickets are on sale for the UWCK’s 2020 campaign kickoff. It will be a night with a campfire theme and comedic entertainment.
The event is set for Aug. 17 at the Columbus Club, 723 Main in Great Bend.
The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a social hour and a chance to bid on silent auction items followed by a campfire dinner.
The United Way of Central Kansas Tuesday announced its co-chairs for the 2020 campaign. They are Chris and Cari Ringwald, and Brad and Sarah Shirer.
The announcement came as the UWCK prepares for its annual Stuff the Bus drive this week and its kickoff event Aug. 17.
“These individuals are an integral part of each campaign year,” said UWCK Executive Director Gaila Demel. “Offering insight and a fresh perspective, being a voice for United Way in their communities, and learning more about what UWCK does in Barton and Pawnee counties. Already, these couples have been highly involved with planning events for our campaign as well as getting to know each of our 22 Community Partners.”
The Ringwalds graduated from Kansas State University and relocated to central Kansas for Chris to join his family farm. Cari worked at Barton Community College and Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball, before kids and the family business required her full attention. They value the small town atmosphere that Ellinwood offers and participate in various local organizations and serve on boards to support their community.
Brad and Sarah Shirer were born and raised in Barton County; Brad in Hoisington and Sarah in Great Bend. Brad is a retired administrator from Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball and is an antique car enthusiast. An accomplished vocalist and musician, Brad has played the pipe organ at a number of area churches since the age of 12. He is currently treasurer of the church and serves on the board for the Family Crisis Center, Lambda Chi Alpha Housing Board and is a Chamber Ambassador.
Sarah is retired from a lengthy secretarial career with various schools, churches and Chambers of Commerce. She is active in her church, PEO, Prairie Godmothers, Barton Extension Master Gardeners, and the Great Bend Zoological Society.
“It is so exciting working with the Shirers and Ringwalds,” Demel said. “They instinctively have a sense of our mission and have hit the ground running. We are so fortunate to have this level of community commitment and pride, in volunteers who step up when called. Collectively, our entire Board of Directors are dedicated to make a difference, to be accountable for stewardship of resources and accountable for short and long term results.”
