BLOOMINGTON – The Blue Jean Ball at Whippoorwill Hill in Bloomington celebrated the merged United Way and kicked off as their first annual event the week of September 21.
Though it wasn’t planned as a big fund-raiser, the event raised just over $15,000. Randy Rogers, CEO of United Ways of Southern Indiana, said they weren’t expecting the event to raise as much as it did.
It was planned as a ribbon-cutting and as a time for people to come to see what was happening, and enjoy good food, music, and a great venue, but the amount of money raised was a happy surprise.
Featuring a beautiful venue in a historic area, with lovely countryside right off the porches of the barn, delicious catering, and music by the Cody Ikerd Band, it was a blast for everyone involved.
A cash bar, silent auction with a wide selection of tantalizing goods, and music that begged you to dance all combined for an evening of fun and good company.
The silent auction was supported by a wide variety of businesses that can be seen on the United Way Facebook page, and the turnout was an overwhelming amount of support for the cause.
Randy Rogers, CEO of the United Way since last year, was excited about the merging of the two United Ways.
Randy has lived in the community since 1995, and he has been thrilled with the opportunity to “figure out how to combine my love for community and local, and combine it with supporting those in the community.”
Some of the services offered by United Way include financial education classes, tax services, mental health kits, and mentoring programs beginning in 8th grade to prevent problems before they may arise.
Randy is also excited to see the combined forces of two United Ways enable everyone to work to the best of their ability.
“[we have]Such a dynamic person in Kim and now we can finally relieve her of some of the back-office things so she can get out and do what she does best,” Randy said. Kim has been handling United Way of South Central Indiana on her own for a long time.
The merger will allow her the support, and the freedom to fully realize her talent with people in the community, and her knowledge of more rural areas.
“We’re seeing more and more services and people living in one county and working in another.” This means that having a United Way that is more ‘united’ and widespread is important.
The newly broadened organization launched its 2023 giving season at the Blue Jean Ball on September 21, celebrating the expanded United Way of South Central Indiana service area.
Those wishing to donate or get involved are encouraged to visit www.unitedwaysci.org. United Way of South Central Indiana will work toward moving families out of poverty and into possibility by addressing the root causes of inequities in health, education, and financial stability across South Central Indiana.
