DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Wiregrass United Way will officially kick off its annual Pacesetter Campaign on Friday, July 31, at 8:30 a.m. at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center, bringing together businesses, volunteers and community members to launch one of the region’s largest annual fundraising efforts.
The Pacesetter Campaign is the first phase of the Wiregrass United Way’s annual campaign. Local businesses, industries and organizations begin their workplace giving campaigns before the community-wide campaign officially starts, helping build early momentum and encouraging others throughout the Wiregrass to get involved.
This year’s kickoff will focus on both fundraising and hands-on community service. Volunteers will package 60,000 shelf-stable meals for the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, providing immediate assistance to families facing food insecurity across the region. The event is sponsored by All In Credit Union, whose support made the meal-packing project possible.
Organizers are inviting the community to take part in the event. In a social media post ahead of the kickoff, Wiregrass United Way wrote, “We. Are. Ready.” and encouraged Wiregrass residents to attend, adding, “Thanks to their generosity, we will package meals to feed 60,000 people. We need a great crowd!!”
While the kickoff offers an opportunity to serve the community immediately, the campaign’s long-term impact reaches much further. Funds raised through the Wiregrass United Way remain in the local area, supporting nearly 40 partner agencies that provide food assistance, housing support, youth development, financial counseling, health services, programs for seniors, assistance for individuals with disabilities and emergency aid for families in need throughout Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.
For many local nonprofits, the annual campaign provides funding that allows them to continue serving thousands of residents year-round. Donations made by businesses, employees and individuals help strengthen programs focused on improving education, financial stability, health and overall quality of life throughout the Wiregrass.
The Pacesetter Campaign also serves as a leadership opportunity for local employers. By launching their campaigns early, participating organizations demonstrate their commitment to giving back while inspiring other businesses and employees to contribute during the community-wide campaign.
Following Friday’s kickoff, community members can continue supporting the Wiregrass United Way by dining at Red Elephant Pizza & Grill. A portion of all sales throughout the day, including dine-in and curbside pickup orders, will be donated to the organization.
According to the Wiregrass United Way, the annual campaign supports programs that serve more than 366,000 people each year, with millions of dollars invested back into local communities through its network of partner agencies.
For the Wiregrass, the Pacesetter Campaign represents more than the start of another fundraising season. It is an opportunity for businesses, volunteers and residents to come together, invest in their neighbors and help ensure critical services remain available for those who need them most.
