The residents of Barton and Pawnee counties did it again.

 United Way of Central Kansas Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith told her board members and campaign co-chairs this week, and everyone who would listen, that the 2016 fundraising drive had met its goal of $275,000. 

This success was due to the community support, the UWCK Executive Volunteer Board members, 2016 co-chairs, the community partners United Way supports and all the countless volunteers, Bugner-Smith said.

Our local United Way has grown from covering Great Bend  to covering Barton County to including Barton and Pawnee counties. There are volunteers in all the included communities that give their time to this effort. Indeed, there are co-chairs representing Great Bend, Ellinwood and Larned.

“?????,” Smith said. “On behalf on the 19 community partners we serve, thank you.”

This comes at a time when many non-profit organizations like those supported by the UWCK face uncertain budgetary futures. These entities often receive assistance from the state and with Kansas facing fiscal shortfalls, this assistance may be at risk.

Smith has always said how impressed with the compassion of area residents. This campaign is just another example of how we can come together to help our own.

“The Community has once again seen the need by their own and helped make United Way 2016 campaign a success,” Bugner-Smith said. “These individuals are fighting and supporting volunteerism, decent daycare, cancer, aging, child and domestic abuse, hunger, homelessness, and bullying. These agencies are educating, supporting and uplifting our own. They are true heroes in our community.”

We all owe ourselves a pat on the back. Good work.

Dale Hogg