United Way campaign at half-way mark

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“We have officially bumped the thermometers up to 50 percent,” Sherry Dryden reported Thursday with a broad smile. Dryden is the new executive director of the United Way of Ellis County.

“We got a generous donation from our partner Fort Hays State University of over $42,000. In addition to the faculty, the staff and the students, the Student Government Association was involved this year. They did three fundraisers for us. It was so exciting to have all of them supporting the United Way,” Dryden said.

FHSU SGA members get "pied" for a donation to the United Way of Ellis County. — FHSU SGA members get “pied” for a donation to the United Way of Ellis County.

FHSU President Mirta Martin served as the Heritage Society Chair for UWEC this year.

“President Martin was very gracious in volunteering her time for the United Way and sending letters of support encouraging donations. I was intrigued by her story of her first experience with the United Way and appreciate her current support.”

UWEC Executive Assistant Erica Berges and Executive Director Sherry Dryden at a recent Hays Chamber Chat.

According to figures computed by UWEC Executive Assistant Erica Berges, the campaign fundraiser is 10 days ahead of schedule compared to a year ago.

This year’s fundraising goal is $490,000. The campaign continues until the end of November.

The United Way online auction, with 106 items from local donors, is underway through November 17.

Disclosure: Becky Kiser of Eagle Communications is chairwoman of the 2015 United Way of Ellis County campaign.