The Brown County United Way held their 2016 Campaign Kick-off at Underwood’s Cafeteria on Wednesday, raising $3634.98 according to owner Paul Underwood. He stated he believed that amount, $100 more than last year’s event, may be a record amount.
Underwood’s hosted the kick-off, donating the profits from the day to the Campaign as they have for more than a decade. Wednesday is a day the restaurant is usually closed, and the employees donated their time for the day. United Way board members and agencies were on hand to pass out rolls and help bus tables.The 2016 campaign goal has been set at $265,000, according to Karen Lynch, Executive Director for the Brown County United Way.
“We really want to thank Underwood’s for everything they do for us. We also have some Boys and Girls Club kids that are out there collecting school supplies,” said Lynch. “We just really appreciate everything the community does for us that helps us to help the community.”
In conjunction with the kick-off, the Brown County United Way is holding a “Stuff the Bus” campaign to collect school supplies for the school children of Brown County. The bus was parked at the corner of Underwood’s parking lot during the event (pictured below).
There will be a school bus parked in a few locations throughout town to collect supplies. The bus will be located at the following locations:
Monday, August 3rd, 2015 – Brookshire’s 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday August 4th, 2015 – United Supermarket 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 – Underwood’s 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Staples 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The supplies collected will be distributed by the Salvation Army. They will be available to students in the school districts throughout Brown County: Bangs ISD, Blanket ISD, Brookesmith ISD, Brownwood ISD, Early ISD, May ISD & Zephyr ISD.
The Brown County United Way currently supports 13 agencies that benefit the people of Brown County: American Red Cross, The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brown County 4-H, Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens, Boys & Girls Club, Cancer Services Network, CASA, Family Services Center, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Mid-Texas Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key, and Salvation Army Loaves & Fishes.
Pictured at top is Paul Underwood (back row, far right), owner with Underwood’s employees who donated their time to serve at the event. Employees are holding school supplies which were donated to the Stuff the Bus campaign.