The Park on Us United Way fundraising campaign is fast approaching, and organizers have already raised the bar from last year as they draw closer to their annual goal.
Set for Friday, Sept. 19, the Park on Us campaign has already sold 527 meters as they march toward their annual year-end goal of $126,000. In addition to the Park on Us fundraiser, over 122 items with a retail value of $6,200 have been donated for a silent auction.
Big ticket silent auction items include a granite lazy susan and a tablet computer, while also featuring gift certificates to all kinds of Cranbrook businesses.
United Way Cranbrook and Kimberley feels that their goal is achievable, according to executive director Donna Brady Fields.
"We've achieved $130,000 over the last two years, and the board set out what they felt was achievable with the economy the way it is, but we are hoping to surpass $126,000 and indications are, so far, that we're just getting great support from the community, said Brady-Fields.
"Now, in the fall, we are moving into our workplace campaign, where employees make donation pledges and individual pledges start coming in."
October is United Way Month, and the banner will go up over Baker St. on Oct. 5. The organization will also be putting on many presentations within the community to educate the public on the goals and the achievements of the United Way in Cranbrook and Kimberley.
The United Way is also partnering with Bellies for Babies to provide tree-ripened Ambrosia apples. Customers can choose whether funds go directly to Bellies for Babies or towards general United Way fundraising when orders are placed.
Orders can be placed for 20-pound boxes at $25 or 10-pound boxes at $13. Individual apples will also be sold at the United Way office on Baker St.
Orders must be placed between Sept. 11-25.