The Newton United Givers Fund fundraising drive is officially underway for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, and organization officials are hoping to raise $50,000 to be distributed to its more than 30 organizations.
This year’s chairman is Bob Beckley and the drive chairman is Don Vares. Beckley, who also owns Special Ts in downtown Newton and was plant manager at ESCO for 15 years before retiring, is urging all Newton County residents and businesses to join this year’s drive.
“All recipients are deserving and in need of your financial assistance,” Beckley said in a social media post by the United Givers Fund.
Vares, who previously served as owner of Zack Garvin’s Steakhouse and a former alderman, said he was happy to give back to the community in this role.
“Newton and Newton County have been great to our family over the years,” Vares said. “We just wanted to give back to the community in this way. The United Givers Fund is a great organization that helps support more than 30 agencies not just in Newton, but across the whole county. So we are encouraging everyone to participate this year.”
Vares said that gifts of all sizes will be accepted, no matter how small it may seem.
“If everyone person in this county could give at least $10, $25 or $50, it would go a long way to helping these agencies,” Vares said. “Even if all of the businesses who have never participated could give $25, $50 or $100, that would make a huge impact in the mission of these organization.”
One thing that Vares has not only noticed how it helps the individual organizations, but also how other beneficiary organizations help each other throughout the year. One instance of this was the Newton Arts Council helping the Newton High School Band purchase a new Sousaphone tuba.
“I love how the organizations are even willing to help each other,” Vares said. “They collaborate with each other and help support each other.”
Vares said UGF is sending out letters right now to businesses and residents. Those who don’t receive letters or pledge cards can request them either from UGF board members or from the Newton Chamber of Commerce, which has them available in their office.
Some businesses allow their employees to deduct amounts from their paychecks that will be directed to the UGF.
“All of the donations are tax-deductible,” Vares said.
For more information on the drive, log on to the Newton United Givers Fund Facebook page or call the Newton Chamber of Commerce at 601-683-2201.
