McCook Community Chest kicks off annual United Way fund drive

United Way President Karen Kliment, left, and Linda Schiffelbein, third from right, present prizes raffled off as part of the fund drive kickoff during Heritage Days. Winners include, continuing from left: Darelene Lambert, who accepted a golf basket package on behalf of her granddaughter, Kass Huxman of Kearney; Zane Walker who won a bicycle and helmet; Peg Dueland who won a Longaberger Pottery basket; and Caridad Galarneau who received a spa package from Hamilton's Hair Creations and Renalle's Classic Hair Design. (Gazette Photo/Shary Skiles. )

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Mid Plains United Way -- McCook Community Chest kicked off the fund raising season at Heritage Days with their annual 5K run/walk and one-mile fun run. The overall male winner of the 5K run was Troy Swartz, and the female 5K winner was Stacy Blomstedt.

According to Coordinator Linda Schiffelbein, the support and participation for the run was outstanding, and they are looking forward to achieving their fund raising goal of $95,200 for the 2012-13 campaign.

Donations to Mid Plains United Way -- McCook Community Chest help to fund 14 different agencies including Swatters 4-H Club; Adult Basic Education; Mid Nebraska Community Action Commodity Supplemental Food, Homeless Prevention, and Head Start; Prairie Plains CASA; Domestic Abuse Services; Family Resource Center; Team Mates Mentoring; Lutheran Family Diversion Program; Boy Scouts; Live Y'er's; Salvation Army and YMCA.