Community members gathered inside the Shamrock Zone at K-State’s Bramlage Coliseum to help kick off Konza United Way’s 2023 fundraising campaign.

Photo courtesy: Kate Kennedy

Children’s books were placed throughout the room for attendees to write inspirational messages inside. Event emcee Dave Lewis explained how these books coincide with a new partnership and goal for the organization.

      Lewis

While this year’s kick off had a heavy emphasis on literacy, KUW CEO Tara Claussen explained the benefits that one donation can have through the variety of issues the United Way addresses.

      Claussen

Shawn and Kate Drew were selected as this year’s Campaign Champions, and have a history of United Way involvement that began in Missouri.

Shawn Drew said that one of the areas he would like to focus on this year is workplace campaigns.

      Shawn Drew

These workplace campaigns connect local companies with the United Way and encourage employees to make donations and address local issues. Employers may also be able to make a dollar-for-dollar match to employee donations.

For more information on how to get involved, start a workplace campaign, or to simply learn more, check out the Konza United Way’s website.