Copperas Cove turns out for United Way fundraising kickoff luncheon
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
For the first time since 2020, the United Way of the Greater Fort Hood Area recently held its kick-off luncheon at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center.
The Copperas Cove Independent School District showed their support in a big way with the CCHS JROTC Color Guard posting the colors, CCHS Voices of Cove singing the national anthem, and the CCHS Copperettes showcasing their dance numbers as entertainment.
A plated lunch was served up by representatives of organizations that benefit from United Way contributions annually, with the meal prepared by Great Western Dining Services of Central Texas College.
This year’s United Way fundraising theme is “United Way Changes the Stories of Many” and the area goal this year is to raise at least $400,000.
Copperas Cove’s own Sherry Hoffpauir is chairing the campaign for 2022, as she did for 2021.
During the kickoff luncheon, Hoffpauir recognized the Copperas Cove Leader-Press and other media outlets to include CCISD’s Bulldawg Radio, 93.1 FM KNCT, KXXV Channel 25, and the Killeen Daily Herald, for their support of the United Way’s fundraising efforts.
The event recognized United Way pacesetters, with the City of Killeen, H-E-B stores of Copperas Cove, Harker Heights and Killeen stores #2 and #3, all receiving the Platinum award, of $25,000 or more; the Carlson Law Firm, City of Copperas Cove, and First National Bank Teas receiving the Gold award, of $5,000 or more; Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas, JWC Rentals & Property Management, and Killeen Daily Herald receiving the Silver award, $2,000 and up; and the Bronze award for $1,000 and above going to Copperas Cove ISD, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Gandy; Lott, Vernon & Co.; Mrs. Sue Mayborn; Ms. Joyce Mayer; and Dr. & Mrs. Mark Nigliazzo.
Even through the pandemic, locals have continued their fundraising efforts which go directly back to the community to help local organizations continue their impact.
Some of those organizations had representatives on hand at the event, organizations such as like Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter and Hill Country Community Action Association, which prepares and delivers Meals on Wheels every weekday to elderly Copperas Cove residents.
Locally, the United Way funds go right back to the community to support programs that help those in need, both young and old. The They support programs from various organizations including Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, Heritage House of Central Texas, Families in Crisis, Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter, American Red Cross Heart of Texas Area Chapter, Bring Everyone In The Zone, Central Texas Youth Services Bureau,Inc., Cenikor Foundation, Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas, Inc., Greater Killeen Community Clinic, Hill Country Community Action Association, The Refuge Corporation, Armed Services YMCA, Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, Inc., CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties, Food Care Center, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Heritage House of Central Texas, Longhorn Council Boy Scouts of America.
CCISD is one of many organizations that donates big each year to help support United Way. This year, they’ve already pledged at the platinum level with a goal of $40,000, said CCISD’s Director of Communications Wendy Sledd.
The district’s fundraising campaign runs through the month of October. Last year, CCSID raised a total of $37,342.44. For those looking to donate to CCISD’s fundraising efforts, there is a United Way representative in each of the school’s campuses, and the various schools will have their own fundraising activities as well.
One of the first events coming up is the Copperas Cove Junior High School staff volleyball game, set for Thursday, Sept. 29 at the CCJHS gym. The concessions will be open as a United Way fundraiser for that campus.
Then, the 7th annual elementary fun color run/walk event at Ogletree Gap Park, is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 18, starting at 5:30 p.m. The entry fee of $10 (includes T-shirt), or $5 (no T-shirt). The event is open to children and adults.
Likewise, the City of Copperas Cove also fundraises for the United Way, with its employees having raised more than $24,000 over the past two years.