According to Director Jo Jones, another United Way of Benton County (UWBC) Radio Auction is in the books as a huge success. The agency’s three-week campaign held in October netted over $71,000 in donations.
“We did not expect to raise so much money in only three weeks, but I should have known that Benton County and the surrounding community would come through, as they always do,” Jones said. “Many individuals and businesses brought in great donations on the last day of the auction to bump up the total. We were totally shocked that we raised so much, and that is after expenses!”
For over 20 years, the radio auction has supplemented the campaign funds allocated to UWBC partner agencies. In the past, most of the campaign funds received came from employees who were giving through workplace payroll deductions.
After 9/11, workplace giving drastically changed. New security protocols at large employers hampered UWBC’s ability to go into workplaces to explain how giving to UWBC would help many of the employees’ friends, family, and neighbors in need.
Jones explained that when COVID hit, everything shut down and UWBC could only hope that employees would continue to give through payroll campaigns, but times were tough on everyone. Then there was the fact that many donors had retired and could no longer give through payroll deductions.
“Because of the many changes in the workplace, it has become difficult to impress the importance of giving to newer employees. We now depend on the radio auction and other fund raisers for the majority of the funds made available to the partner agencies we support,” Jones related.
For the past two years, UWBC chose to have two shorter auctions per year and keep them closed to the public due to COVID. This increased the total radio auction time to four weeks a year, but the auction cannot be held without the volunteers who work tirelessly to help make the auction a success. Many wished to go back to the original three-week plan.
“We tried to divide the groups that support the auction into fall and spring groups, but we had to ask many to support both auctions and that put a hardship on them. We also felt concerned for the extra burden we put on businesses that support the auction with sponsorships or items,” Jones said. “With all these factors to consider, we decided to return to the three-week model that had been had used for over 20 years. I’m so glad it worked out that we were able to raise such a large sum!”
The UWBC campaign year begins July 1 and ends June 30. The $71,000 raised in the October auction will provide most of the funds for the 2022-23 campaign.
“There are many needs in our community. Through our partner agencies and other community impact projects that we participate in, you can be assured that your donations are being used wisely,” Jones said. “I cannot express how much it means to know that so many in Benton County support the United Way.”
Jingle Bell Run
UWBC Fundraiser
UWBC will hold its annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Dec. 10, to help raise money to fund UWBC’s partner agencies. The Jingle Bell Run is for participants ages 10 and up. Awards will be given to finishers in seven age categories. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m.
The registration fee is $30, and registration forms are available at Apex Bank on the Court Square or at unitedwaybenton.org. On the website, click on the Jingle Bell Run campaign to purchase a ticket to participate. Those registering online may add their t-shirt size in the comments and fill out the form the day of the run. Those registering before Dec. 3 are guaranteed the correct size shirt. Those registering later will receive a L or XL t-shirt as long as supplies last.
Become a UWBC Donor
If you would like to join the UWBC team by making a one-time donation, becoming a monthly donor, or donating through the round-up program, visit the UWBC website and click on the donate button. Set up an account with the information as to how you wish to participate.
If you would prefer to donate through the mail, send a check or money order to United Way of Benton County, P.O. Box 694, Camden, TN 38320. Every dollar received by UWBC goes to benefit local people and programs.
