By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“It’s not ‘them’ or ‘they’,” contends Jason Rauch, United Way of Ellis County Executive Director.

“It’s your friends, someone’s family member.  It’s us.”

Rauch spoke passionately during the 2014 United Way Kickoff Campaign lunch Friday at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, surrounded by representatives of the 15 allocated member agencies, along with UW volunteer board members.

The campaign theme is “We Are United.”

Kickoff attendees were asked to write their thoughts on table top chalkboards about the question “What are your hopes for our community tomorrow?”

Campaign chairman Terry Siek has been involved with United Way “the past 26 years, since I’ve been employed at Hays Med.”  Siek is the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer.

He’s been a member of the United Way Board of Directors the past four years.

“We fund programs for families of people struggling with alcoholism. There are domestic abuse programs.  Big Brothers Big Sisters helps kids who need a positive, consistent adult influence in their lives.  These are people who live next door to us,” said Siek:”

“From children to our senior citizens, the 15 member agencies help people achieve things that, for whatever reason, they could not achieve on their own,” said Siek.

This year’s goal is $490,000, the same as last year.

Siek thanked community members and stressed their generosity.

“We are able to change people’s lives every day because of you.”