United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley started its annual fundraising campaign on Thursday, August 27^th with a virtual kickoff. The kickoff was streamed on their YouTube Channel and Facebook at 12:30pm. Over 300 people registered for the virtual event.   

This year’s campaign theme “United in This Together,” emphasizes that we are stronger together and with the pandemic and other issues facing our community it will take all of us working together to find the solutions to our community’s most pressing problems. 

United Way needs your support to do what we do best in the aftermath of disasters – help our communities respond, recover, rebuild and reimagine our future. Ben Moser, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley has been in our community for a year now and is eager for the experiences this campaign will bring. “United Way is looking forward to a great annual campaign, made more crucial than ever this year by the coronavirus pandemic. Our campaign funds the vital work of United Way and our partner agencies serving vulnerable populations across our region. As we all work together to meet the challenges of disease, poverty, and inequity, we ask that you please join our thousands of donors, hundreds of organizational partners, and the entire community in being United In This Together.”  

This year’s United Way Campaign Chair is Ms. Gwen Ruff, Senior Vice President at Columbus Water Works. Gwen is the first African American woman to serve as the Community Wide Campaign Chair. She also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She is excited to be part of the positive change happening right now in our community through United Way. “United Way doesn’t do the work alone. It’s the strength of our community working united that drives real change." said Ruff. "We are calling on everyone to join us - to do their part to make our community the place we need it to be – equitable, respectful, and providing opportunity for all,” she added.  

Kevin Cobb, with Pratt and Whitney, emceed the event. The virtual event included messages from the President & CEO and the Campaign Chair. Also, one of United Way partner agencies, Twin Cedars, shared how the impact of the pandemic has affected their program Children’s Tree House. Local musicians Wolf & Clover & Friends provided music at the beginning of the event with an inspiring version of Lean on Me.     

The virtual kickoff ended with the past ten United Way Campaign Chairs encouraging everyone to give and be United In This Together.  

United Way announced the goal for this year’s campaign, which is $7,000,000.   

United Way’s 2020 Campaign video and virtual kickoff 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.