Breckenridge Texan

The annual fundraising campaign drive for the United Fund of Breckenridge got underway Thursday afternoon with its first official donation and the unveiling of the organization’s newly painted sign on display in Foundation Park, on the corner of Walker Street and Breckenridge Avenue.

Local businessman and longtime United Fund supporter Paul Prater made the first donation, and Breckenridge painter James Knight refurbished the sign, which is shaped like a thermometer to gauge the amount of donations to the organization.

United Fund President Sherry Strickland said this year’s fundraising goal is $17,000, which is lower than last year’s goal of more than $22,000. The organization did not meet last year’s goal but still fulfilled its obligations to the local groups it funds.”But, we can’t continue that,” Strickland said. “That’s why we cut the budget this year.”

Along with setting a more realistic goal that they hope the community can meet, the United Fund board of directors also reduced the amount of donations they will give to the 18 organizations that have requested funds this year. Each group will get 26 percent less money this year.

Strickland said one of the things she wants the residents of Breckenridge to remember is that the United Fund is a local organization that supports other groups; it is not affiliated with the United Way or any other national or international group. What that means, Strickland said, is that all of the money stays in Breckenridge.

This year, the United Fund will make donations to the following organizations:

• Breckenridge Girls Softball Association
• Girl Scouts
• Cub Scout Pack 81
• Boy Scout Troop 63
• Meals on Wheels
• Open Door
• Breckenridge Little League, Inc.
• School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
• Breckenridge Fine Arts Center
• Stephens County Ag & Community Center
• Breckenridge Library
• Stephens County Humane Society
• Breckenridge Lil’ Kickers
• Swenson Memorial Museum
• Dr. Goodall’s House
• Stephens County Child Welfare Board
• Friends of Historic Breckenridge
• All His Children

In addition to having a new budget, the United Fund also has an updated fundraising style. Instead of the flat donation cards that have been sent out in the past, the group will be mailing out colorful cards designed by Bo Asher, new United Fund board member and digital media coordinator for the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce.

Anyone who does not receive one of the cards may request one from any of the United Fund board members or simply mail a check to:  United Fund of Breckenridge, Inc., P.O. Box 170, Breckenridge, TX 76424.

The 2018-19 United Fund Board of Directors are: Sherry Strickland, President; Kevin Simmons, Treasurer; Whitney Fulgham, Secretary; Jean Hayworth, Campaign Chairman; and board members Sandy Broyles, Cassie Griffith, Scott Harris, Lynda Justus, Wayne Justus, Kathy O’Shields, Gary Trammel, Sharon Wimberley, Jeannie Gann, Les Strickland and Bo Asher.

Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

Cutline, top photo: Breckenridge businessman Paul Prater makes the first donation to the United Fund’s 2018-19 fundraising campaign. Gathered around the United Fund’s newly repainted sign in Foundation Park are, from left, board members Bo Asher, Les Strickland, Sharon Wimberley, Sandy Broyles; Prater; board member Scott Harris; Campaign Chairman Jean Hayworth; and, President Sherry Strickland. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)