RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (UWRCC) announces its second annual three-day giving campaign, called GIVE UNITED, taking place on October 24, 25, and 26. The inaugural Give United campaign in 2022 raised over $222,000 – more than $22,000 over the initial goal – to support the local community.

UWRCC aims to raise $350,000 during the three-day Give United campaign to face the biggest challenges in the local community around childhood development, financial stability, mental health, substance abuse, and healthy behaviors like nutrition and obesity. Donors can designate their gift to one of these focus areas, or to the general community fund for the greatest impact.

A primary reason for the increased fundraising goal is the growing service area for your local United Way. In the spring of 2023, United Way of Bedford County merged with United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties to create a new four-county services area. Your local United Way now serves Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, and Lincoln counties, and a new name reflective of this service area is forthcoming.

“Give United is an opportunity to bring members of our growing community together to support the most pressing challenges we face. Issues such as mental health, housing affordability, meeting basic needs, and early childhood success are all important to the Bold Goals 2030, a ten-year strategic vision developed by the community, for the community. We invite you to join us in making a gift that is meaningful to you that will influence our measurable impact on each of these issues,” shares United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ President and CEO, Meagan Flippin.

According to United Way’s most recent audit, for every $1 invested in the operation of your local United Way, $14 of impact is invested back into the community. A gift to United Way benefits the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our community.

A celebration has been planned for October 26th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN. The community is invited to join your local United Way to celebrate the introduction of expanded service areas – Bedford, Cannon, Rutherford, and Lincoln counties - and the culmination of the Give United campaign. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and live entertainment will be provided. Register for the event at yourlocaluw.org/giveunited.

For more information on Give United or to donate, please visit yourlocaluw.org/giveunited.