The traditional United Way of Hastings (UWH) annual giving campaign kickoff will be held at Todd Field to coincide with the first home Hastings Raiders football game on Friday, September 8.  

"Returning to school is always an exciting time and it’s so much fun celebrating at historic Todd Field with the kickoff UWH’s annual giving campaign at the first home Raiders football game," said Mari E. Mellick, CAE, Executive Director.  

Todd Field will be draped with over 50 LIVE UNITED banners that are sponsored by businesses throughout the community. The sponsorship helps UWH reduce fundraising costs during its appeal season in the fall so that more donor dollars can go to those in need. A complete list of campaign sponsors can be found at www.unitedwayofhastings.org.  

Attendees can begin arriving at Todd Field at 6 pm on September 8. UWH staff and board members, campaign sponsors, and other representatives will be wearing United Way’s signature LIVE UNITED t-shirts and will greet attendees with informational materials on United Way’s Annual Giving theme this year, “How Will You Save Lives?” UWH highlights its Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness initiative, Food4Kids weekend student food initiative, and the Helping Kids Succeed initiative which builds webs of support.  

Over 14,000 households and businesses will receive UWH’s Annual Giving Appeal mailing the week of September 11 where individuals can learn more about how to save lives right here in our community.  

The UWH has been the Heart of Hastings for nearly 60 years working as an independent United Way serving Hastings and the surrounding rural communities within Independent School District #200. Its mission is to build partnerships to improve the lives of people in our community. UWH funds local nonprofits servicing people in the Hastings area and funds internal initiatives – all to support Education, Health and Financial Empowerment with an emphasis on Youth. Donations are accepted year-round. For more information about the UWH, visit www.unitedwayofhastings.org.