United Way of Aiken County holds Campaign Report Luncheon

Oct. 10—Back in August, the United Way of Aiken County kicked off its 2022 fundraising campaign with a Star Wars-themed bash.

And so far, the Force definitely seems to be with the effort, said United Way President Sharon Rodgers following the Campaign Report Luncheon on Oct. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church in Aiken.

Division chairs talked about upcoming events and those they already had held to generate funds.

All were upbeat, and many expressed confidence that they would reach their goals.

United Way staff members and campaign professionals, who are assisting the staff during the fundraising endeavor, also spoke.

An enthusiastic Ellen Luton, who is the United Way's director of resource development, waved a light saber while giving a report.

"There is just so much energy and excitement out there," Rodgers said. "Everybody is far exceeding the plans we had going into the campaign.

"We had plans for certain events and certain things happening, and where we are now, we're far beyond that," she continued. "The numbers aren't there yet because the money hasn't really started coming in. But as far as community involvement and people being supportive and energetic, it's off the top of the charts."

The campaign's fundraising goal overall is $2,251,359, and the United Way will be collecting money through the end of the year.

The Campaign Support Luncheon "is an event to kind of check on where we are, to make sure that everybody is being supported and to make sure that all the divisions are out there doing the things that hopefully make the campaign successful in the end," Rodgers said.

Heather Raynack is the 2022 fundraising campaign's chair.

For more information about the United Way of Aiken County, call 803-648-8331 or visit uwaiken.org.

The United Way's headquarters is at 235 Barnwell Ave., N.W. in Aiken.