United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley kicked off its annual fundraising campaign on Thursday, August 29th at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Approximately 900 people were present at United Way’s biggest event of the year, which was sponsored by Columbus State University and CTV BEAM.
 
This year’s campaign theme “Change Doesn’t Happen Alone,” emphasizes that we cannot solve our community’s problems or break down its barriers alone.
 
To illustrate one of the campaign’s talking points, “Hope is not a One-Man Band,” United Way kick started the event with a special performance. Jonathan Payne, a local musician and United Way supporter played Guns N’ Roses hit “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with Kevin Blair, 2019 United Way Campaign Chair and Chief Operating Officer at Synovus and Ben Moser, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, lip syncing and playing mock guitars as back up.
 
Ben Moser, who succeeds Scott Ferguson as President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, is eager for the experiences this campaign will bring. “United Way is looking forward to an exciting campaign where we come together to improve thousands of lives in our community,” said Moser. “United Way cannot do this work alone, because Change Doesn’t Happen Alone. United Way is connecting people and resources for a strong community because we make the greatest impact when we band together,” he added.
 
Dave Arwood, Operations Manager at PMB Broadcasting, emceed the event and Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe delivered the invocation. Featured speakers shared personal stories about how United Way has impacted their lives, and what a necessity United Way is to the Chattahoochee Valley.
 
Joy Hood, a senior at Shaw High School and a Youth United member, spoke about the impact of Youth United, which is a student-led initiative of United Way for high school juniors and seniors. During Hood’s speech, a moment of silence was held for Christopher Rogers, a senior at Central High School in Phenix City and a dedicated Youth United member who recently passed away.
 
Emerging Leaders United member Erica Walker spoke about the impact of Emerging Leaders United (ELU), United Way’s affinity group for its donors under the age of forty.
 
Women United Board Member Susan Wiggins spoke about the difference made in our community by Women United, United Way’s affinity group for its women donors. Wiggins also shared information about Women United’s biggest event of the year, The Power of the Purse luncheon, and invited kickoff guests to attend the luncheon in November.
 
Regina Howard, an eighth grader at East Columbus Magnet Academy, spoke about the impact of United Way funding for education programs at Girls Inc. Howard participates in the Girls Inc. Eureka! Program, which is a STEM-based approach to engaging and empowering 8th - 12th grade girls to see themselves as an important part of the future workforce.
 
The 2019 United Way Campaign Chair Kevin Blair spoke about the strong volunteer leadership that makes United Way so successful. “United Way donors and volunteers band together and make positive changes year-after-year in our community,” said Blair. “It takes more than one individual or one group. It takes a community to come together to make positive change,” he added.
 
United Way announced the goal for this year’s campaign, which is $7,075,000. The goal for this year’s campaign was announced by students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, a United Way Community Partner.
 
United Way’s Columbus and East Alabama Campaign Cabinets, as well as Loaned Executives, were thanked for their dedication to the 2019 United Way Campaign.
 
United Way Board of Directors, Past Campaign Chairs, United Way donors, United Way Community Partner Agencies, Service Members, First Responders, Elected Officials, were thanked for their service to the community.
 
United Way’s 2019 Campaign video was produced again this year by CTV BEAM.
 
Funds raised during the campaign are invested in local programs by volunteers. The programs must meet a need in one of United Way’s four core areas of Health, Income, Basic Needs, and Education, demonstrate results, and show good stewardship of the community’s monies.