The Habersham United Way has upped its goal for this year’s fundraising campaign. The agency will be working in the coming months to raise $600,000 to support nonprofits that serve the local community. That’s $100,000 more than last year’s goal.
United Way President and CEO Candice Holcomb welcomed guests to a community luncheon and campaign kick off on August 17. Approximately 100 business and community leaders and volunteers attended the event held at Habersham EMC headquarters in Clarkesville.
Holcomb said the agency raised $540,000 last year – exceeding its $500,000 goal.
Meeting community needs
Habersham United Way uses the money it raises to support 21 partner agencies and two grant recipients. These nonprofits provide needed services in the community focused on three primary areas – education, income, and health.
The agencies include:
- 4-H
- Boys and Girls Club of Lanier (Habersham)
- Boy Scouts of Northeast Georgia
- Children’s Center for Hope and Healing
- Circle of Hope
- Clarkesville Library
- Cornelia Library
- Family Resource Center
- Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia
- Grace Gate
- Habersham Christian Learning Center
- Habersham Homeless Ministries
- Habersham Senior Center
- Habitat for Humanity
- Northeast Georgia CASA
- Power House for Kids
- Rape Response, Inc.
- American Red Cross Northeast Georgia Chapter
- Sharing and Caring
- Sisu
- Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County
‘Extremely hopeful’
District 50 State Senator Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) was the guest speaker at Thursday’s kick-off luncheon.
“I was impressed with how many people were here today,” he said after the gathering. “United Way does such a good job organizing [to meet] the needs throughout the community.”
Following Thursday’s strong show of support at the kick off, Holcomb said she’s “extremely hopeful” United Way will reach this year’s goal.
“After this event, [I’m] even more hopeful because I feel like it’s not going to be hard to reach our goal.”
Upcoming events
United Way raises money in various ways, including voluntary employee payroll deductions, individual donors, and fundraising events. The first two events are scheduled for this fall.
Springer Mountain Farm is hosting a Sporting Clay Shoot for United Way on Saturday, September 30. The event will take place, as it has in years past, at 2320 Hardman Road in Clarkesville.
The 25th Annual Ethicon Golf Classic is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17. The Orchard Golf and Country Club near Turnerville will host this event.
For more information on registering for either event, to volunteer, or make a donation to United Way, call 706-778-0620 or visit them online at HabershamUnitedWay.org.
