United Way Helps Fund Partners

FARMVILLE – The United Way of Prince Edward County distributed $35,000 to its 20 partners on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

This was the first of two yearly distributions by the United Way to its partners, and was made during a luncheon sponsored by Centra Southside Community Hospital.

The United Way set a goal of raising $55,000, and nearly all of the money raised goes to its partners.

The United Way has already sent out it letters of solicitation to potential donors, hosted fundraisers and had fundraisers held on its behalf, and is now gearing up for its major effort — the Great Farmville Duck Derby. The derby will be held 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Riverside Park as part of the Heart of Virginia Festival, with all proceeds from the duck race benefiting the partners of the United Way.

“We need to build on our momentum with giving out $35,000 back into our community,” said Rucker Snead, president of the local all-volunteer United Way board of directors. “Success with the derby will help us give even more back.”

Members of the United Way’s board as well as representatives of their partners are in the community seeking individuals and businesses to serve as sponsors.

Meanwhile, The Duck Derby Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/150500495606264/) has been created to spread the word about the event and generate enthusiasm.

There will be 5,000 ducks sold. The owner of the first place duck will receive $1,000, the owner of the second place duck, $500; and the owner of the third place duck, $250.

Ducks can be adopted through the United Way partners, Citizens Bank in Farmville, Fishin’ Pig restaurant and Uptown Coffee Cafe. You can also purchase ducks at the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Every dollar means assistance for one of the United Way’s partners. A single $5 duck could buy a bag of cat food for the SPCA, a $25 Quack Pack of six ducks could provide free medicine for someone who visits The Heart of Virginia Free Clinic, a $100 Flock of 25 ducks could provide a family food for a week at Madeline’s House.

The race will feature five levels of sponsorship, each with its own perks. All sponsors will be mentioned in news releases, social media post, and all publications printed after time of sponsorship. We are proud to announce that Appomattox River Company, Southside Electric Coop, Hometown Realty, Fishin’ Pig, Green Properties, The Woodland, Inc., VFW Post 7059 and VFW Post 7059 Auxiliary have all become sponsors.

For more information please contact Sandy Cooke at scooke@hsc.edu.

“Good things are happening,” Snead said. “Let’s keep up the momentum.”

The United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit, engaging people from all walks of life in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories, and among its partners are global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith organizations, as well as educators, labor, health organizations and governments.

Locally, the United Way’s partners are: Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES), Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Virginia Free Clinic, Farmville Service Unit Girl Scouts, Farmville Area Boy Scout Service Organization, Madeline’s House/Southside Center for Violence Prevention, Prince Edward County 4-H Clubs, Prince Edward/Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA), Scope/Meals on Wheels, Southside Virginia Family YMCA, Southside Pregnancy Center, Southside SPCA, Southside Training, Employment and Placement Services, Inc. (STEPS), Virginia Legal Aid Society, Camp Loud & Clear, Heartland Horse Heroes, Riding Star 4-H equestrian club, Jolly Glee Seniors, Piedmont Senior Resources, and the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.