MEDIA ADVISORY: Impact on the Plains is Sept. 19
WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 18, 2023 — United Way of the Plains will award up to $105,000 in an annual community investment and social innovation competition called Impact on the Plains. Area nonprofits providing human social services in the locations served by United Way of the Plains were invited to apply for the unique event. Based on their creative and innovative ideas, four finalists were selected earlier this month to compete for funding. This is the third year the event has been held. It is one of numerous ways United Way of the Plains is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the nonprofit during the month of September.
The finalists will pitch their innovative programs in a “Shark Tank”-style competition in front of a panel comprised of community judges. Presenters in each of the four focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs will be awarded a financial investment in their program at the end of the evening.
The program coming in first place will receive a $40,000 check. The second-place program will be awarded a $30,000 investment. The program winning third place will receive a $20,000 check. The program selected by judges for fourth place will be awarded $10,000.
The People’s Choice award is a new element of the event that allows the audience to vote for their favorite initiative at the conclusion of the presentations. The winner of the People’s Choice award will receive an additional $5,000.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19.
6:00 to 7:45 p.m. – Four nonprofits make presentations on stage followed by Q&A with community judges
7:45 to 7:50 p.m. – Attendees cast votes for the People’s Choice award
8:00 to 8:10 p.m. – Announcement of investment awards and People’s Choice award
8:10 to 9:00 p.m. – Attendees enjoy dessert reception
WHERE: Textron Aviation Activity Center (9710 E. Central Ave.)
FOUR COMMUNITY JUDGES:
Wayne Bell, U.S. Small Business Administration
Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools
Junetta Everett, Kansas Health Foundation
Sam Marnick, Spirit AeroSystems
FOUR COMPETING NONPROFITS AND THEIR INNOVATIVE IDEAS
(in order of their appearance on stage):
- HEALTH
Medic All – HealthBridge Initiative: Connecting Communities to Comprehensive Care - EDUCATION
Women Aspire – Aspire Academy Childcare Center - FINANCIAL STABILITY
Culture Creations – BeyondFoster – Restorative Justice Youth Circles for Kansas Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood - BASIC NEEDS
Children First CEO of Kansas – Journey Home – Homeless Family Housing Program
SPONSORS: Textron Aviation is the host sponsor. Additional sponsors include Berry Companies, Hutton, Spirit AeroSystems and Kansas Star Casino.
Check the social media platforms for United Way of the Plains on the evening of Sept. 19 to learn which nonprofit program is awarded the largest investment and which one earns the People’s Choice award. Visit unitedwayplains.org/impact for more information about the competition.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Angie Prather, Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4105, aprather@unitedwayplains.org
United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
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