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Today's Family Magazine

United Way of Lake County to host free 100-year birthday bash

United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is hosting a free community event filled with free family fun in celebration of their 100-year birthday.  The party is being held in conjunction with their campaign kickoff on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 5:30 pm – 9 pm at Classic Park in Eastlake, home of the Lake County Captains.  Gates will open at 5 pm.

The party is open to the public with advance registration at uwlc.org/birthday.  Classic Park is located at 35300 Vine Street, Eastlake.

Guests will enjoy free cupcakes, free popcorn, and free ice cream.  Additional free activities for the kids will include: a movie presentation of Disney’s popular animated musical movie Encanto on the Jumbotron, face painters, balloon artists, a magician, craft tables, an agency fair with games, KidzZone Inflatables, and more.  The venue’s concession stand will also be open for the purchase of beverages and additional snacks.

The festivities further include a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are available online now at https://go.rallyup.com/50-50-raffle and will also be sold at the event.  Participants do not need to be present to win.  The winner will be selected and announced Friday, September 29.

A short UWLC video presentation is also planned, and UWLC’s new president and CEO, Dione DeMitro will be on hand to welcome guests and share a bit about her vision for UWLC moving forward.

“We are excited to bring together the community to celebrate the collective positive impact of our volunteers, donors and agencies and challenge ourselves to continue to do more to improve lives in Lake County,” said DeMitro.

UWLC’s campaign chair Jen Yorko, general manager of the Lake County Captains, will also be on hand to welcome guests to her home and talk about the role she will play leading this year’s 2022-2023 campaign.

According to Yorko, “United Way of Lake County is a force in our community.  The good they do and have done over the past one hundred years is immeasurable.  It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve our community as the 2022 campaign chair.”

Upon United Way of Lake County’s inception in 1922, the organization held its first fundraising drive and raised just enough to buy a car for the community’s only visiting nurse.  In 1958, United Way raised $137,000 in support of eight nonprofits who served our community.  Over the last 10 years, over one million services have been provided to Lake County’s most vulnerable residents in partnership with the nearly 50 nonprofits UWLC has helped support.

“When I think about the number of lives impacted by enabling that nurse to travel across town in 1922, I’m reminded of the tremendous value we bring to those in need right here in our local community of Lake County.  The gifts we receive have allowed us to respond to the most pressing needs facing Lake County residents for the last 100 years, and I look forward to the impact we will continue to make as a result of this campaign,” said DeMitro.

United Way of Lake County starts with a zero balance every year.  They do not receive funds from any source outside those received locally from businesses and residents.  Funds raised in Lake County stay in Lake County.  Should you wish to make a “birthday gift” in support of their work, donations can be made online at uwlc.org/give, and checks, made payable to United Way of Lake County, can be mailed to United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy, Mentor, OH 44060.