2013 KY State BBQ Festival raised $24,305.05 for Heart of Kentucky United Way

On March 26, the Kentucky State BBQ Festival Committee presented Heart of Kentucky United Way with a contribution check in the amount on $24,305.05.

KY State BBQ Committee present check to Heart of Kentucky United Way

(l to r) Cindy Simmons, Bob Stovall, Maureen Loar, Myrna Miller, Rick Waldon, Amy Longwill, Andrea Miller, Stephanie Blevins, Clay Albright, Susan Hensley, Brad Simmons, Marty Groover

That’s a big number, but what does it mean in benefit to the community? Heart of Kentucky United Way Executive Director Stephanie Blevins put that big number into terms we can all understand and relate to:

Let me share with you what the $24,305.05 that you all raised for Heart of Kentucky United Way really means:

Because of you, a family now has a roof – the child of that family is now more likely to break the cycle of poverty, graduate high school, and own a home of their own.
Because of you, a mentor was introduced into the life of a child – that child is now more likely to graduate high school, have higher self-esteem, engage in social activities, and maintain stronger relationships.
Because of you, 21 senior citizens are now able to be transported to [doctor’s] appointments, pick up their medicines, and get their groceries.
Because of you, an abused and neglected child has an advocate solely assigned to them who interviews people and situations in their life and speaks on their behalf to the judge making a recommendation based on what is in the best interest of the child.
Because of you, 15 adults were able to achieve enough education to obtain their GED allowing them to gain self-esteem, a sense of achievement, and employment which in turn enables them to become contributing members to our community.
Because of you, 5 victims of domestic violence were able to receive the assistance they needed to secure protective orders from their abusers, receive counseling, gain child support, and maintain their homes – resulting in a safe environment for the child who is now more likely to break the cycle of abuse.
Because of you, 3 addicts were assisted in being able to complete an eight-week drug rehabilitation program and are more likely to break the cycle of addiction.
Because of you, a child who was malnourished now receives three meals and two snacks a day.
Because of you, a neglected child now is thriving because intensive therapy.
Because of you, 5 of our neighbors GED test were paid for, 3 people were able to keep the lights on, a child learned how to swallow food for the first time, and 15 patients were provided their medication – changing lives today and the generations of tomorrow.

NOW MULTIPLY ALL OF THE ABOVE BY 2 AND ADD 84 HOT MEALS THAT WERE DELIVERED TO OUR SENIORS TO THE LIST ABOVE. THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE THAT ONE WEEKEND AND THE KENTUCKY STATE BBQ FESTIVAL, ART AUCTION, AND SMOKIN’ BIKE RIDE – THE $24,305.05 (I didn’t calculate in the .05 cents so I could have even added in one more thing!) MADE TO OUR COMMUNITIES! On behalf of all of those above that will never get the chance to say thank you in person, THANK YOU!

United Way funds 24 agencies and 40 community programs conducted by those 24 agencies:

EDUCATION
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, mentoring program
Bluegrass Rape Crisis, Green Dot Violence Prevention
Boyle County 4-H Whole Child Education
Centro Latino education programs
Garrard County 4-H, youth programs
Kings Mountain Memorial Community Center, after-school reading and math program
Lincoln County 4-H, youth programs
Mercer County 4-H, youth programs
The Salvation Army, community center enrichment/after-school and summer programs
Wilderness Trace Child Development Center, early intervention and preschool
Wilderness Trace Family YMCA, after-school and summer programs and preschool program

INCOME
KY ADAPT, deaf adults/community integration
Blue Grass Community Action Program, self-sufficiency and achieve education
Family Services Association of Boyle County, self-sufficiency and financial stabilization
Habitat for Humanity, Mercer County program
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, domestic violence, senior access to health care and veterans advocacy
Mercer County Adult Education and Learning Center, workforce development
The Salvation Army, social welfare services

HEALTH
Blue Grass Community Action Program, adult day care, senior services and senior companion program
CASA of the Bluegrass, child advocacy
Centro Latino, medical interpreting services
Greenhouse 17, domestic violence crisis and stabilization services
Heritage Hospice, transitions program
Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky, patient services and public education/screening
Lincoln County Senior Citizens Center, senior services
Nursing Home Ombudsman of the Bluegrass, advocacy and protection services
Recovery Center, day treatment program
Wilderness Trace Family YMCA, aquatics program