United Way Kicks Off Annual Fundraising Campaign at NEOMED

United Way of Portage County (UWPC) is launching its 2018-2019 workplace giving campaign from 4 – 6 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2018 at the NEW Center, located on the campus of Northeast Ohio Medical University. The kick-off event will showcase the critically needed programs in Portage County that UWPC provides funding, as well as to highlight key corporate partners who help drive the success of the workplace campaigns.

The event is free and open to the public and invites all community members to enjoy a sports and wellness-themed day as UWPC hosts athletes from Kent State University Men’s Basketball, Gymnastics and Golf teams, the Hands On Sports Foundation, the Ben Curtis Family Foundation and mascots from the Akron RubberDucks, Cleveland Indians and more.  Participating programs and organizations encourage healthy eating and active lifestyles, an area of focus for United Way, NEOMED and Sequoia Wellness. All of these agencies are working together to make a positive impact in the communities of Portage County.

Attendees can enjoy a $5 tailgate style meal, games and prizes.  Top prizes being distributed include two tickets for the Pitt at Notre Dame football game on October 13 and a Youngstown State University football autographed by Jim Tressel. During the event, people can engage with athletes, mascots and representatives from programs that receive much needed support and funds from UWPC. Presently, UWPC funds 42 programs that help in the areas of education, income and health. These key impact areas are working to provide measureable outcomes that show improvements in literacy rates, kindergarten readiness, emergency food, clothing and shelter, credit counseling, mental health services, drug treatment programs and more.

For more information about the event please contact  Shawna Borkoski at shawnab@uwportage.org or 330.297.1424.