United Way of Mat-Su kicks off fundraising campaign

United Way of Mat-Su kicked off its annual fundraising campaign at an evening buffet at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla Sept. 18.

There was an air of celebration at this year’s fundraising kick-off. As guests arrived, a slideshow of 2013 service events, honors and activities projected on the wall and uplifting music filled the air.

Stephanie Allen, Executive Director for United Way of Mat-Su thanked ConocoPhillips Alaska for its event sponsorship and BP for its $20,000 donation, which co-sponsored the campaign video and provided funding for additional campaign needs. Both companies have supported United Way of Mat Su since it began in 1987.

Speakers at the event related stories about improvements in connection with early childhood education and substance abuse prevention among youth. They also spoke of services provided by the non-profit community because of grants from United Way of Mat-Su and individuals talked about how their lives were made better.

Resource Development Director Cherie LeBlanc-Shue said United Way’s focus is on making long-lasting, measurable improvements. She asked for an investment in making the Mat-Su safer, our children better prepared for the future, families more stable and seniors provided needed services. Attendees responded with more than $2,500 in immediate contributions and planned workplace campaigns.

This year’s video, created and produced by John Conn of Stage 2 Studios, “What is a Hero” is available online at unitedwaymatsu.org.

LeBlanc-Shue said “It was a great start to what we hope will be another wonderful year. Our community came together in 2013 around education, income and health and generously donated money and logged over 10,000 volunteer hours, but there is still work to be done.”

For more information, to plan a workplace campaign, to donate, or to volunteer, contact (907) 745-5822, or cherie@unitedwaymatsu.org.