KINGSPORT — It’s that time. The annual fundraising drives to help out first responders and other resources that move communities forward have begun.The United Ways of Northeast Tennessee held their Regional Campaign Kickoff Thursday at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.
The event, hosted by HomeTrust Bank and the United Way of Greater Kingsport (UWGK), began the annual fundraising campaigns of UWGK, the United Way of Bristol TN/VA, the United Way of Carter County/Elizabethton, the United Way of Greene County, the United Way of Hawkins County, and the United Way of Washington County, Tenn.
UWGK’s goal is $3.6 million. The regional goal is $7.4 million.
“The funds raised by each United Way this fall go directly back into our communities, benefiting local lives and local causes,” said Bill Trapp, UWGK campaign chair. “These goals are ambitious because our goals at United Way are ambitious. With your help, we can meet these goals, creating positive, sustainable change for a better tomorrow.”
The keynote speaker for the event was Jamie Woodson, CEO of the State Collaboration on Reforming Education (SCORE).
Prior to the kickoff, Woodson visited Andrew Johnson Elementary and Ketron Elementary to read with second-grade students.
At the kickoff, the United Ways of Northeast Tennessee presented Kingsport-based Eastman Chemical Co. with the inaugural Regional Leadership Recognition Award. The honor is meant to recognize those businesses and organizations emblematic of a strong, vibrant Northeast Tennessee region, committed to its infrastructure and growth, and who have inspired other organizations to support that vision. David Golden, senior vice president, chief legal and sustainability officer and corporate secretary at Eastman, accepted the award.
From: http://www.timesnews.net/Local/2017/08/18/United-Way-campaigns-are-on.html?ci=stream&lp=1&p=1