UWEC

The United Way of Ellis County will be having their first-ever Community Kick-off for the 2016 Campaign, themed “Heroes for Change.” The event is Sat., Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Aubel-Bickle Park, 30th and Sherman, behind Orscheln Farm and Home.

The event honors local hometown heroes, and gives everyone an opportunity to meet and have positive interaction with first responders. Unfortunately, some people’s first interaction with first responders is when they are in a crisis situation.

The following organizations will be in attendance: City of Hays Police, City of Hays Fire, Ellis County Sheriff, Kansas Highway Patrol, Ellis County Rural Fire, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services along with members of the National Guard and the American Legion Riders. The American Legion Riders will also be giving a presentation on flag etiquette. The parking lot at the park will have first responder vehicles on display for youth to look at, and representatives from all United Way partner agencies will be on hand.

The United Way will be giving away colorable superhero capes/masks and sidewalk chalk to the first 200 children in attendance. Youth are encouraged to wear their own superhero costumes. Rides for youth will also be available on the Nex-Tech Express train.

There will be three contests for the youth in four age divisions: best superhero costume, best colored cape/mask, and best sidewalk chalk drawing of a hero, with judging to start at 11:30 a.m. There is a $50 Chamber Check prize for the top overall winners in each contest.

The schedule of events are as follows:

• 10:00 a.m. will give out Hero Bags to the first 200 youth.
• 10:15 a.m. will have opening welcome from United Way and introduce partner agencies.
• 10:20 a.m. will introduce the first responders, National Guard and American Legion Riders
  10:25 a.m. American Legion Riders will give presentation on Flag etiquette.
• 10:30 a.m. say the Pledge of Allegiance
• 10:35 a.m. Rules for contests will be announced and break out for interaction between public and first responders.
• 11:30 a.m. Judging for the contests will begin with winners announced at 12:00 p.m.
  (Please note the times above are approximate.)

If you would like to give to the United Way of Ellis County, please mail donations or stop by the offices at 205 E. 7th Street, Suite 106, Hays. Donations can also be processed through the “Donate” button at our website www.liveunited.us.