The United Way of Chatham-Kent's annual touchdown fundraiser started on a darker-than-expected note -- but things only got brighter from there.
A power outage that affected the Links of Kent Golf Course at around 7 a.m. Thursday forced organizers to turn to burn some candles for about an hour before the lights came back on.
After that, the celebrations ramped up, culminating with the announcement that the 2019 fundraising campaign raised $1,443,786.
The official total was unveiled by the Advanced Realty Solution’s team members who served as the 2019 Campaign Chairs.
"When we took on the task of chairing this campaign as a team; we collectively decided to go all in," said Bill Myers, broker of record at Advanced Realty Solutions. "I am confident that we have left no stones unturned and I am proud of what everyone has accomplished. It has taken thousands of people to come together and make this possible."
CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent Steve Pratt said the money that was raised through the campaign will be applied directly to addressing issues including poverty, hunger, youth unemployment, mental health and addictions, education inequity, homelessness, social isolation, and domestic violence. Those issues have also been the focus of a targeted social media campaign called #UNIGNORABLE.
"We are very passionate about the work we do here because the results directly affect the lives of so many," added Tom Slager, director of resource development at United Way of Chatham-Kent. "The workplace campaign allows us to talk about real experiences and discuss Chatham-Kent’s #UNIGNORABLE issues alongside ones who have utilized a United Way funded program during a critical part in their lives; and front line workers who are out there doing incredible things."
Officials with the United Way of Chatham-Kent also pointed out that the funds that were raised during the 2019 campaign will be distributed locally and almost immediately.
This year's fundraiser fell just short of its $1.5 million goal, and also follows a recent downward trend. The 2015 campaign finished at $1.85 million, the 2016 campaign finished just over $1.7 million, the 2017 campaign finished at $1,687,048, and last year's campaign raised $1,565,140.