United Way campaign sets sights on $112,000 goal

United Way board member Adam Dean addresses the crowd at a fundraising campaign kick-off breakfast Sept. 26, at the Vernon County Senior Center. The local fundraising goal for this year is $112,000; and the board is optimistic about reaching that goal. Last year, Vernon Countians raised about $111,000.

* Annual Oktoberfest fundraiser is slated Oct. 13, in the grassy lot next to Great Southern Bank.

Nevada Daily Mail

The United Way of Vernon County has kicked off its funraising campaign for this year.

Community Outreach director Barbara Long said United Way funds are vital in helping the organization help serve the needs of 400 people each month. "It's a great help," she told the crowd at a recent kick-off breakfast for the campaign

Community Outreach is one of 20 agencies to be supported by United Way this year with its goal of $112,000. That's the same as last year's goal; and the community almost made it happen, raising about $111,000; this year, they hope to top the goal. "The amount we raise is amazing for a small community," board members said.

Toward that goal, the United Way's annual Oktoberfest is fast approaching, and with it many favorite activities will be returning for the Oct. 13 event. Among them are the chili cook-off -- contestants spend the morning cooking their best versions of the fall comfort food. Judges sample the entries and declare winners; then citizens can purchase bowls of chili as well. For a set of rules or an entry form for the United Way of Vernon County's annual Oktoberfest Chili Cook-Off, contact Angie Nichols at (417) 667-8444. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place entries. This event is sponsored by Missouri Eagle LLC.

After a long hiatus, the United Way's bringing back an old favorite -- the lip sync contest.

Slated from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the grassy lot next to Great Southern Bank, the contest is open to youth in kindergarten through grade 12. The first place winner will receive $100; second place, $50; and third place, $25. Contact Carmen Williams by phone at (417) 529-4839 or e-mail to cwilliams7@bankofamerica.com to sign up for the event, which is sponsored by the Nevada Lions Club.

Oktoberfest also will feature live entertainment, several booths and games and more.

United Way Director Peggy Tedlock said that even though the campaign's highlight is Oktoberfest, "we will accept donations any time," and donors can rest assured their money will be well-spent. It's an organization that's "very accountable, very efficient and very careful with that money."

Board member Adam Dean, who's co-chairing this year's effort with David Heumader said he's "proud of the fact that we are raising money to help out our neighbors and people in our community," noting that money raised here, stays here. Board members also will make themselves available to speak to clubs, organizations or businesses.

In addition to the Community Outreach, this year's United Way-funded agencies in Vernon County are The Smile Clinic (also known as ACHE Dental), Alternative Opportunities, Inc.; the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Children's Center in Nevada, the Council on Families in Crisis, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, Girs Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Nevada Youth Recreational Baseball, On My Own's youth transition and education program, Ozark Trails Council Boy Scouts of America. Southwest Area Special Olympics Missouri, The Neighbors Center, the Vernon County University of Missouri Extension, the Vernon County Adult Recovery Court, the Vernon County Child Advocacy Council, the Vernon County Ministerial Alliance Emergency Relief Fund, Vernon County People For Pets and the Vernon County Senior Center.