United Way of the Plains celebrates 100th anniversary in September
WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 31, 2023 —United Way of the Plains has planned numerous events during the month of September as the culmination of a twelve-month celebration of 100 years of helping the people of south central Kansas reach their full potential. Currently serving nearly 800,000 citizens in the area, the organization was originally formed in 1922 as a Community Chest when leaders in Wichita founded it as a more efficient and effective way to help those in need by pooling charitable donations and focusing on the community’s most pressing social problems.
President and CEO Pete Najera said that the last ten decades of partnerships have helped produce lasting change. “For 100 years, United Way has brought together donors, volunteers and leaders to mobilize resources and power the model of people helping people. We’re simultaneously celebrating our centennial while enthusiastically launching our next 100 years of impact. With the help of powerful partnerships, we’ve continued to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs in our community. We’re celebrating the many selfless acts of kindness that have built a legacy of compassion that will enable us to continue doing good work to lift our neighbors.”
Numerous partners and organizations will help mark the centennial with these celebrations:
Sept. 1
United Way banners will line street poles in the downtown corridor through mid-November and an anniversary graphic will run all month on the INTRUST Bank Arena marquee to mark the beginning of the annual fall fundraising season.
Sept. 5
The City of Wichita will present a special proclamation to commemorate the milestone anniversary and the annual workplace campaign begins as fundraising campaigns are held by area businesses and organizations.
Sept. 12
United Way of the Plains Vice President of Community Impact Abel Frederic is the featured speaker at the monthly luncheon of the Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA). WIBA is focusing the month of September on community impact issues.
Sept.12
At 3 p.m. a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held at 245 N. Water Street. The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce will help host the event and was one of the organizations that was instrumental in founding United Way of the Plains.
Sept. 13
Sedgwick County will present a special proclamation to mark the 100th anniversary of United Way of the Plains.
Sept. 13
The Wichita Wind Surge will host United Way Night at the Ballpark with a game against the Midland Rockhounds at Riverfront Stadium that begins at 7:05 p.m.
Sept. 17
United Way staff will participate in the annual Open Streets ICT event that’s held from noon to 5 p.m. on Douglas Avenue.
Sept. 19
Impact on the Plains will take place at 5:30 p.m. as a group of judges from the community hear four nonprofits present their innovative solutions to community challenges. Financial awards will be granted to fund their programs. The event is hosted by Textron Aviation.
Sept. 23
United Way of the Plains supporters will rally at the National Hockey League ICT Ice Classic held at INTRUST Bank Arena. A portion of ticket sales and a raffle will be donated to United Way. Purchasing tickets with the code “UNITEDWAY” will provide a $5 discount off each ticket and designate United Way of the Plains to receive a portion of the ticket sales.
Sept. 25
The Monarch (579 W. Douglas) will host a celebration event for the public from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring guest bartenders Ron Baker (former NBA star and Wichita State University Men’s Basketball crowd favorite) and Dr. Sheree Utash (President of WSU Tech). Both United Way Board members will be accepting tips to support United Way. A portion of sales that evening will also be donated to United Way.
Check the website at https://unitedwayplains.org/celebrate-united/ for more details about each of these events.
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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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