By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County United Way is kicking off its 2009 fundraising campaign in partnership with Downtown Salisbury Friday Night Out.
The agency will celebrate from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in the 100 block of West Fisher Street, with The Entertainers Band, a beach music group, and many free activities for children.
Amanda Hesse, chairwoman for the kickoff event, said all 17 United Way agencies will be represented at the evening’s festivities.
The agencies will provide booths that feature games and activities for children, including face painting.
There will also be inflatables, slides and pony rides for the children. The Salisbury Fire Department will have its smokehouse on hand to demonstrate the dangers of smoke and fire, said Jackie Harris, the United Way campaign and marketing director.
The starting line for the annual corporate soap box derby race will take place on the square at 7 p.m. There will be trophies presented for first, second, third and crowd pleaser winners.
“This is the second year. It’s a great venue for the United Way and its agencies to do that. It works very well,” Hesse said.
The Kiwanis Club will sell hot dogs and hamburgers with the proceeds benefiting the United Way.
The event is sponsored by Cheerwine.
Money raised during the United Way campaign goes to benefit 17 agencies whether its sending a Boy Scout to camp or helping to provide hot meals through Meals on Wheels.
Other campaign events include the car giveaway, where Salisbury automotive dealers team up to award a new car to a United Way contributor. The campaign will also include the Day of Caring where people volunteer their time to give back to the community.
This year’s campaign goal is $1.78 million. Last year’s goal was $1.86 million, which the agency exceeded with $2.09 million.