By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County has just reached the halfway point of its campaign — but still needs your help.
The campaign has raised $227,000 of its $450,000 goal. The organization has two months to reach its goal.
The United Way is in its last week of its online fundraising auction, which will come to an end at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. All proceeds of the online auction benefit the United Way and its partner agencies.
One of the signature items is a African photo Safari to Zulu Nyala private game reserve. The retail value on the trip is $5,950, and the minimum opening bid is $1,500. This does not include airfare, but there is an exclusive opportunity for an airfare discount through South African Airlines.
Situated near Hluhluwe, Kwa Zulu Natel, South Africa, the reserve will allow visitors to experience elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, nyala, dudu, crocodiles and other more plains game.
The trip includes six days and six nights accommodation at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lode, or Heminway Luxury Tented Camp (depending on availability). Two game viewing drives per day on Zulu Nyala Game Reserve (morning and afternoon drives). Meals are included.
Two safari packages are up for bid. The high bidder will set the price at the auction and the back-up bidder should pay the same high bid price. The winners of the auction have up to two years to take the trip. More information is available on the bid site or call the United Way office at 785-629-8281.
Go to www.liveunited.us or www.auctionrules.com to bid. You can also donate directly online on the United Way website.
Some of the other items include a Traeger grill, a 32-inch Smart television, a $250 gift certificate to Ashley Furniture, a 3-piece entertainment center with a retail cost of $2,825, FHSU season basketball tickets, Dustin Colquitt Kansas City Chiefs autographed mini football.
Other items include restaurant gift certificates, home decor, apparel, sports memorabilia, service gift certificates and Hays Recreation Center gift memberships, among many other items.
Night of Giving
The United Way conducted its Night of Giving Friday night at Big Creek Crossing. The event raised $1,400 with 70 supporter tickets purchased, which was down from $2,000 last year. There was music, wine tasting, and appetizers provided by each of the participating stores.
“UWEC is very appreciative of the support of Big Creek Crossing and the participating merchants for the wonderful and entertaining atmosphere,” Sherry Dryden, United Way of Ellis County executive director, said via email Monday.
United Way has dine out days Tuesday at Pizza Hut (5 to 8 p.m.), Sip ‘N’ Spin all day on Nov. 13 and Whiskey Creek on Nov. 28 ( 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). A percentage of each of these restaurants’ proceeds on these specified days will go to United Way.