The United Givers of Southwest Mississippi has started its annual fundraising campaign for 2015, with a goal to raise $120,000 for local non-profits through Nov. 25 amid a lot of food and fun this fall.
The organization’s annual Carport Cook-Off and 5K Run/Walk is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown McComb at St. Andrew’s Activity Center.
The Carport Cook-Off contest has a $75 entry fee in four different categories — chili, jambalaya, chicken wings or thighs. Teams can enter all categories.
The 5K run has a $30 entry fee on the day of the race and $25 for those who register by Sept. 18.
There will be overall awards for male and female runners in various age groups — 20 and under, 21-30, 31-45, 46-60, and 61 and over. Registration forms can be found online at www.pikeinfo.com, or at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Selman’s Jewelers and Southern Sports. Registration on the day of the race is at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8.
The Oct. 3 event will include the cooking competition, the race, live music and college football on big screen TVs. There also will be children’s activities, including a petting zoo and inflatable jumpers.
The Mississippi Southern Cruisers Car Show will be downtown to show off their wheels.
United Givers executive director Molly Johnson said the organization will assist 14 area non-profits serving Pike, Amite and Walthall counties.
“I think it’s important to know that all of the proceeds donated to us go to local charities or organizations,” Johnson said.
“The funds raised here are so vital to these agencies,” she explained. “They go to help them with their day-to-day services. The more we help them, the more they can help others.”
Johnson said that she can speak to any business or organization about the United Givers campaign and the agencies they help in presentations as brief as 10 minutes.
“We want people to know that there are several ways to give,” she explained. “And no one has to give very much,” she said. “We do a lot of $1 payroll deductions. It’s just a dollar and people never miss it. If everyone would just give a little, it would help a lot.”
Johnson said donations can also be mailed in to United Givers of Southwest Mississippi, P.O. Box 954, McComb, MS 39649.
For more information on the 5K Run/Walk email Betty Van Norman at bbvn6300@yahoo.com.
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For more information on the United Givers campaign call Molly Johnson at (601) 248-8295.
