United Way hosts ‘Heroes in Action’-themed Community Kickoff

By C.D. DESALVO
Hays Post

The “Heroes in Action” themed community kickoff was hosted by United Way of Ellis County on Saturday at Frontier Park. Children ages 1 and up dressed up in their favorite costumes and were able to color their own superhero capes for a chance to win prizes.

United Way of Ellis County Executive Director Sherry Dryden said the goal of the event was to give youth a chance to meet with real-world heroes, as first responders from the sheriff’s office, police, fire, EMS and highway patrol were on hand.

“We want to give youth opportunity to interact with first responders in a non-crisis setting, and this event gives them the opportunity to do that and have a relationship with the first responders,” Dryden said. “The other purpose for this is so that the community members are able to see what services our partner agencies have.”

The partner agencies of the United Way of Ellis County are: Employment Connections – DSNWK, Court Appointed Special Advocates, First Call For Help, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, Girl Scouts, Hays Area Children’s Center, Options: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, United Cerebral Palsy, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled, Parents and Children Together (PACT), and the American Red Cross.

United Way has set a 2017 campaign goal of $450,000 during its annual fundraising effort.

“We had our partner agencies here so they could give out brochures and they can also give information about their services,” said Dryden.

The highlight of the event for the children was the superhero costume judging where two winners from each of the four age groups were chosen as winners for “best colored cape and mask” and “best superhero costume.”

“It was exciting. I was glad we were able to have this event and the weather was perfect,” Dryden said. “This is something we hope we can continue now every year and we are hoping to have it at a different park every year so that way we can fully expose great communities we have here in Ellis County.”