For The Gazette                                              

STEVENS POINT – The public is invited to attend the 2022 United Way Campaign Kick Off on Aug. 11, at Pfiffner Pioneer Park, 6-8:30 p.m.  

“This event is different than anything we have ever done, doubling as a concert and featuring the popular band, Malamanya,” said United Way Executive Director Sue Wilcox.

Malamanya is a United States-based band comprised of musicians who share a “mutual respect and enthusiasm” for traditional rhythms and melodies from the Caribbean and Latin America.

“This event is an extension of the popular CREATE Levitt Amp Concert Series. Families can come to enjoy music and learn more about their United Way,” added Wilcox.

“Attendees are also encouraged to bring a school supply as there will be an on-site collection for the 2022 Project Fresh Start School Supply drive. Project Fresh Start provides necessary school supplies to students in Portage County who qualify for free or reduced priced meals through their school. It is a United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center program. Project Fresh Start depends on the support of our community to help provide school supplies to students in need. More than 3,000 students are eligible to participate in this program and approximately 1,000 students are served each year,” a United Way release stated.

The United Way of Portage County 2022 Campaign will take place throughout Portage County at approximately 170 worksites.

For more information, visit www.UnitedWayPoCo.org.