Saturday at McGregor Park on Riverside Drive was a day in the sun for United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.
Live music, food, information booths and neighbors greeting neighbors was the recipe for the annual “The Best of United Way” celebration. “The turnout has been great, especially from the partner agencies,” said Tara Szopinski, United Way campaign and marketing manager. Saturday’s festivities culminated the five-day event “Days of Caring,” during which 275 volunteers donated time and effort to varied community service venues around town. “United Way people are some of the best people in the world because they are so giving and so caring,” said Beckie Moore, United Way director. United Way officially kicked off this year’s fundraising campaign Aug. 1, but this year the organization decided not to set a monetary goal. Local United Way campaign chairman Scott Donnellan said it’s all about perception.
“When everything is tied to a number, people’s perceived idea of success is tied to that goal. But where the rubber meets the road is whether we are meeting the needs of the community,” Donnellan said.