For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – The public is welcome to attend the 2019 United Way Campaign Kickoff on Thursday, Aug. 1, at Veterans Memorial Park in Plover from 4 to 8 p.m. (between the Sky Club and Plover Municipal Building).

A kickball tournament to include a local school mascot race, multiple prize giveaways, $3 food combo (hot dog, chips & a drink – or mix & match for $1 each), complimentary popcorn and freeze pops, some all-around wacky side events, and a 50/50 raffle will round out the United Way of Portage County 2019 Campaign Kickball Kickoff. Robby Cruz from Hot 96.7 will also be on hand with a live remote and to provide an honorary “first kick” to get the contest rolling.

“This year’s kick-off is shaping up to be the ultimate spectator’s event with two United Way program teams comprised of staff, volunteers and program participants representing United Way’s 30+ Partner Programs.  The program teams will face off with two area business teams,” said Sue Wilcox, United Way of Portage County Executive Director. “Ultimately, we hope to highlight the work of United Way and its funded programs while having some fun.”

In addition to the four-team kickball tournament, the event will include a local school mascot race featuring mascots from public and parochial schools in Stevens Point, Plover, Amherst, Almond and Rosholt, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Spectators can also win T-shirts, hot dogs, and other treats during the tournament that are scheduled to be launched into the crowd from a giant slingshot.  Spectators should consider bringing a catcher’s mitt to improve their odds of snagging food or a souvenir.

United Way will also highlight several pacesetter campaigns at the event.  Representatives from these companies will be there to share their early results, guaranteed to motivate and inspire other individuals and organizations gearing up for the fall 2019 community campaign.  Pacesetters include Delta Dental, Ki Mobility, Recycled Office Environments, and Wysocki Family of Companies.

Event sponsors include Recycled Office Environments (ROE), Ki Mobility, and Lineage Logistics – companies owned and/or operated by this year’s campaign Drive Chairs – Jeff Budelier of ROE, Doug Munsey of Ki Mobility, and Les Dobbe of Lineage Logistics. The 2019 Drive Chairs will be on hand to take part in the festivities and to talk about their work with Untied Way and the life-changing programs being highlighted at the event.

The United Way of Portage County 2019 Campaign will take place throughout Portage County at approximately 160 worksites, via direct mail, and contributions made online at www.unitedwaypoco.org. ALL donors of $52 or more to the 2019 United Way campaign will receive a GIVE & GET UNITED Coupon Book with more than $2,000 in local discounts.  Eligible donors of $52 or more are also automatically entered into the LIVE UNITED – GIVE UNITED Sweepstakes for a chance to win their choice of one of seven vehicles including a 2020 Ford F-150 XL Super Cab 4×4 valued at more than $42,000 donated by Scaffidi Motors in addition to six other great prizes valued at $1,000 or more.

For more information about the campaign, call 715-341-6740, email [email protected], or visit www.unitedwaypoco.org.