22 September & October 2017
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau
United Way Kicks Off 2017 Campaign
The 2017-18 United Way of the Flint Hills Campaign has officially kicked of its annual fundraising campaign to support the work of 25 local non-profit organizations . This year , Coralie Cooper , Human Resources Manager , Norfolk Iron & Metal , and Ed Owens , Deputy Chief of Police , City of Emporia , will serve as the Campaign Chairs .
Ed grew up in western Kansas and moved to Emporia after graduating from Fort Hays State University . As an active member of the community , Ed is looking forward to giving back as co-chair . “ I have seen what United Way does for our community and quite frankly , I have been impressed . To actually see the support United Way provides in a community our size is remarkable . I was humbled to be asked to serve as campaign chair and I feel it is an honor to do so ,” said Ed .
Coralie is a native of Cottonwood Falls and is a graduate of Emporia State University . Coralie first became involved with the United Way as the campaign coordinator for Norfolk Iron & Metal in 2006 and has served on the United Way ’ s Community Investment Committee . Coralie joined the Board of Trustees in 2017 . “ We are honored to be asked to chair this years United Way Campaign and even more excited to be the first couple to work as cochairs ,” she said .
This year , the United Way is focusing on the essential pieces of our community – the people , the organizations , the businesses , the schools – and how all of these things come together to make a strong vibrant community for all . “ Without a doubt , each member of the community is an essential piece in helping the United Way , and more importantly , our community achieve success ,” said Jami Reever , United Way executive director . “ If you take out one piece of this community puzzle , we wouldn ’ t be able to thrive , and so we are looking forward to highlighting every piece of the community so we can all see the critical role we each play in helping one another succeed .”
The United Way Pacesetters were celebrated at the Chamber Business After Hours on August 3 . These Pacesetter Companies launch their campaign early in order for
the campaign to get off to a strong start . In 2016 , the Pacesetter raised $ 378,000 of the United Way ’ s total fundraising effort of $ 605,000 . “ The support of our Pacesetters shows our community is amazing and humbling . The truly launch the campaign into success each year ,” said Reever . “ And then once we add in our strong business partnerships throughout the community , especially with small businesses , and thousands of individuals who support us , we have the perfect recipe for success for the entire campaign .”
The United Way campaign will run through Thanksgiving and will include ample opportunities to participate , including Dine United events in October and the Wolf Creek / United Way Golf Tournament on September 22 . To learn more about the United Way , please contact Reever at 620.342.7564 .
United Way Pacesetter Companies : Capitol Federal , Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Central , Emporia`s Radio Stations , ESB Financial , Glendo Corporation , Haag Pharmacy , Hill`s Pet Nutrition , Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation , Kansas Gas Service , Lexinet Corporation , Longbine Auto Plaza , Lyon County State Bank , Mary Herbert Education