United Way of Davie County celebrated the kickoff of the 2018 Annual Campaign Sept. 13 at the United Way office building in Mocksville.

There was something for everyone in attendance: hotdogs, slushies, ice cream, games, and beach music kept Florence from interrupting the festivities making for a beautiful day to celebrate United Way.

“We had 50 community supporters, including several  agency representatives,  join us for this first community kickoff of our campaign and everyone had a wonderful time,” said Melinda Beauchamp, CEO of United Way.

Jeff McDowell, BB&T executive and United Way board president, welcomed everyone and announced the $450,000 goal for this year. McDowell also asked that everyone invest in the community through the work of United Way with a special request to local companies to step up and partner with United Way to help build and keep the community strong.

“At this time, we only have 10 local companies and our wonderful school system carrying the burden of supporting this county through their own employee campaigns,” said McDowell, “and that’s not enough. We need every company that makes Davie County their home to invest in this county’s health and well-being through our United Way.”

After the announcement of the campaign goal, Beauchamp introduced and thanked Bruce White, Wild Mountain Art and Design and local artist, for his support of this year’s campaign via his art. Then there was the unveiling of a mural White had painted on the United Way’s conference room wall.

White explained that his painting depicts the fact that all of Davie County is one community and he encouraged support of this community through United Way’s strong work on behalf of all.

The campaign has had a good start with almost $45,000 pledged or donated by the Davie County School System Employee Campaign, United Way’s own internal campaign, and several individual donors who made their gifts early.

“This campaign funds programs in 12 local nonprofits, fivedirect United Way programs as well as The CARes Project and the Davie County Teachers’ Closet, which are initiatives of United Way”, says Beauchamp. “United Way must have the full support of this community in order to fulfill its mission of advancing the health, education, and financial stability of Davie County. Get involved.”

For more information, call 336-751-0313, visit www.davieunitedway.org or email mbeauchamp@davieunitedway.org.