The United Way of Leflore County will host its annual Kick-Off Party from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Alluvian.
Admission is $20 at the door, and guests will enjoy food, two free drinks, door prizes and live entertainment provided by Ben Shaw. All United Way supporters are invited.
Local businesses and individuals have donated a variety of products and services to be sold in a silent auction, which will be open for bids until 6:15 p.m.
Items up for grabs in the silent auction will include a New York Giants football jersey autographed by Eli Manning. It is an exact replica of the jersey the former Ole Miss quarterback wore on his way to an MVP performance in the Giants' 17-14 upset over New England in Super Bowl XLII. Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus has contributed an autographed JN01 Series putter.
"It's always great to have really noteworthy items for any kind of auction, particularly for the United Way. We're excited to have some things of the caliber of an Eli Manning Super Bowl jersey and a Jack Nicklaus golf club … and it all goes to a good cause — the United Way," said Dale Persons, board member and a past president for the United Way.
Proceeds from the event will go to the United Way. Last year's Kick-Off Party raised about $10,000, and Freda Maxey, executive director of the United Way of Leflore County, said board members hope to raise about the same amount this year.
The organization's overall goal this year is to collect $190,000 by the end of November.
The United Way so far has raised $121,000 in pledges through the Pacesetters Party, which was held Aug. 19, and the partial returns of the employee campaign. The employee campaign encourages local businesses to collect donations through their employees, and many companies add their own contribution as well.
Other upcoming fundraising events will include the Port Eliot Raffle and the Delta Patrons Party. The raffle prize is a $3,000 shopping spree at Port Eliot, an upscale furniture operation in downtown Greenwood. Tickets may be purchased at the Kick-Off Party, from several local merchants or from United Way board members. The drawing will be held on Nov. 6 at the Patrons Party.
All funds raised by the United Way will benefit local agencies, including the American Red Cross, Beacon Harbor, the Boy Scouts, the Boys and Girls Club of Leflore County, the Community Food Pantry, the Girl Scouts, the Greenwood Interfaith Ministries Community Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Leflore County 4-H Clubs and the Salvation Army.
Maxey said the United Way is able to help all these organizations through the support of local businesses and the group's 35 board members.
"We are very fortunate to have the support of most of our local businesses. We also have a hands-on board that works very hard for the success of the United Way and its agencies," Maxey said.
This year's United Way officers include President Tim Kalich, President-elect Dr. Moses Newsome Jr., Campaign Co-Chairmen Bill Malouf and Craig Staten, Fundraising Chairman Mel Harris, Secretary Angela Curry and Treasurer Will Knight.
For more information on the Kick-Off Party or donating to the United Way, call 453-1910.
