The United Way of Lowndes County is more than halfway to its campaign goal of $600,000, despite the weekend rain causing a change of venue for one weekend fundraiser and the cancellation of another.
More than 500 people enjoyed the best of Columbus Friday night at the United Way’s Best Bands and BBQ Festival.
Despite being moved indoors from the Riverwalk to the Trotter Convention Center due to rainy weather, the festival was a huge success, according to Jan Ballard, director of the Columbus-Lowndes United Way, and Meagan Coughlin, United Way project coordinator.
“I felt like it went really well. It was a great turnout in spite of the weather,” said Ballard.
“I was happy to see that many people come out. It was good to see people supporting us despite the rain,” said Coughlin, noting the featured bands kept the crowd moving all evening. The jazz band Muzik In Action took the stage from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by the funk-inspired Flames from 8-9:30 p.m. and closing with Class of ’65.
“The dance floor was insane,” said Coughlin.
Best Bands and BBQ is a United Way production, but it’s intended more as an event than a fundraiser. The only money changing hands Friday was for beverages or barbecue from local vendors, who set up shop in front of the Trotter.
Inside, handpicked pumpkins decorated tables and Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John hosted the evening as master of ceremonies.
A Holcim-sponsored golf tournament scheduled for Saturday also to benefit the United Way was postponed until spring. But the postponement will not affect the United Way’s fundraising, said Coughlin, and participants who paid their entry fees will be included in the spring event.
The United Way is in the middle of its biggest yearly campaign with a goal of raising $600,000. Ballard said more than $300,000 has been raised thus far, with several campaigns still generating money as the organization moves toward its Thanksgiving deadline.
Major campaigns are under way at industries like Severstal and Metso Paper, said Ballard. The Columbus Municipal School District, last year’s top United Way campaigners, and Mississippi University for Women also are participating.
A few additional corporate pledges will be presented to the United Way around the first of the new year.
“We are very optimistic (of meeting the goal), but it will still depend on the economy and any other changes that might occur,” said Ballard. “We’re encouraging people to give as generously as they can.”
The United Way funds 18 non-profit agencies and programs and served 17,000 Lowndes County citizens in 2008. To donate or volunteer for United Way, call 662-328-0943.
scott farrell | 11/4/2009 9:17:00 PMmark as inappropriate I would like to thank Severstal for participating with United Way with the payroll deduction program and also the United Way for all the work and good they do for our community.I can make a small weekly contribution and never miss it and at the end of the year it is a very nice donation where spanned out i am able where as would probably not do as much if had to write a one time check for a donation.If your company is not doing this automatic draft inquire for them to start and do your part to help our community.
