United Way of Greater Topeka Announces 2021-22 Impact Goal
United Way of Greater Topeka Campaign Chair Patrick Woods has challenged the community to change lives this year by raising $2 million to support work and collaboration in education, financial stability and health.
Woods teamed up with UWGT CEO Jessica Lehnherr for a virtual campaign kickoff announcement on Wednesday. Broadcast on Facebook, the half-hour event also featured UWGT partner Communities in Schools of Mid America and Tocqueville donor Debra Clayton sharing their insights about the change that United Way collaboration makes possible.
UWGT’s new aspirational statement figured prominently in Woods’ remarks and his challenge to the community:
“Just think about that new aspirational statement a minute,” he said. “Until the fight is won. Creating and cultivating an unbreakable network of support for a strong, healthy and equitable community. When you give to United Way YOU become part of that unbreakable network. YOU make our community stronger, healthier and more equitable. Big or small, every gift matters, every gift makes a difference.”
“Here’s what I need from you. I need you to give. I need you to get your friends to give. Because changing lives isn’t cheap. Our goal for this campaign year is $2 million. Help us build and maintain that unbreakable network of support. When we do that together it means:
You help provide thousands of meals for seniors, kids, and families when they need it most.
You open the door for more than 500 kids to access high-quality preschool and have a successful start to school.
You provide nearly 1,000 of your neighbors with tools they need to become financially stable.
You pave the way for us to strengthen strategic partnerships and collaborations across the community, amplifying the effect of your donation time and time again.”
“There has never been a better time to connect with United Way’s work,” Woods said, "as a donor, a volunteer or an advocate (or all three!) This is our fight, yours and mine. So please join me this year as we fight together for a strong, healthy and equitable community.”
A recording of the event is available on the UWGT Facebook page: https://fb.watch/834lmCPs-g/
Anyone interested in running a workplace campaign or making an individual donation can call 785.273.4804.
