United Way Of Lake County To Host Free 'Unite At The Drive-In'

Mentor OH

10 September, 2021

9:14 PM

Description

Press release from United Way of Lake County: Sept. 10, 2021 United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is hosting an evening of free family fun as they "Unite at the Drive-in" in celebration of their 2021-2022 Campaign Kickoff and the Commencement of their 100-Year Anniversary with a community event Thursday, September 23, 2021, from 7 pm – 10 pm at the Mayfield Rd. Drive-in Theatre in Chardon. The free celebration is open to the public with advance registration at uwlc.org/wizard. Guests will enjoy The Wizard of Oz movie from the comfort and safety of their cars, fireworks, free popcorn, free ice cream from King Kone ice cream truck, and fire truck fun for the kids courtesy of the Munson Township fire department, who will be on hand with firetrucks for the kids to explore. The theatre's concession stand will also be open for the purchase of additional snacks. The festivities further include an online 50/50 raffle that is available now through midnight on September 23, 2021 at go.rallyup.com/uwlc50-50. The winner will be announced on Friday, September 24, 2021 on UWLC's Facebook page at facebook.com/UnitedWayofLakeCounty. An agency fair and a UWLC video presentation featuring UWLC Campaign Chair Ben Capelle, CEO of Laketran and UWLC President and CEO Jennifer McCarty is also planned. A video featuring past board members, employees and advocates sharing stories of the organization's history and impact will also be shared. "I'm happy to join United Way of Lake County in meeting the many needs of our friends and neighbors so that no one stands alone. The pandemic really showed us that there are needs out there that we don't even recognize, but United Way was here to help fill those needs just like they have been for the last one hundred years," said Capelle. UWLC raised nearly $160,000 for the Lake County Relief Fund they established at the onset of the coronavirus. Funds were then provided on an as-needed basis to provide relief as the community and health and social service agencies navigated the health crisis. More information about this can be found on UWLC's website at uwlc.org/lake-county-relief-fund. Upon United Way of Lake County's inception in 1922, the organization held its first fundraising drive and raised just enough to buy a car for the community's only visiting nurse. In 1958, United Way raised $137,000 in support of 8 nonprofits who served our community. Over the last ten years, over one million services have been provided to Lake County's most vulnerable residents in partnership with the nearly 50 nonprofits UWLC has helped support. "When I think about the wheels that were set in motion and the lives impacted by enabling that nurse to travel across town in 1922, I'm reminded of the generosity of our community. The contributions we receive have allowed us to respond to the most pressing needs facing our residents for the last 100 years, and I look forward to the impact we will continue to make as a result of this campaign and over the next 100 years," said McCarty. United Way of Lake County starts with a zero balance every year. They do not receive funds from any source outside those received locally from businesses and residents. Funds raised in Lake County stay in Lake County. Should you wish to give in support of their work, gifts can be made online at uwlc.org/give, and checks, made payable to United Way of Lake County, can be mailed to United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy, Mentor, OH 44060. This press release was produced by United Way of Lake County. The views expressed here are the author's own.