Special to the Advance

Atmore United Fund began its fundraising season with its annual kick off party on Sept. 10 at the Atmore Country Club.

UF was formed several years ago with the mission of conducting fund drives each year to raise money for the operation of various participating community agencies. The fund-raising program is directed and administered by a group of 8 volunteer board members, all consisting of Atmore citizens.

Agencies that benefit from United Fund dollars include: Atmore Area Christian Care Ministry, Atmore Area YMCA, Atmore Babe Ruth Baseball Program, Atmore Cal Ripkin Baseball, Atmore Girls Softball Program, Atmore Public Library, Atmore Tee Ball League, Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Escambia County Cooperative Library System, Escambia County Healthcare Authority, Friends of Education of Escambia County and Pride of Atmore, Save the Strand.

United Fund would not be able to help the many agencies they do every year without contributions from the public.

“United Fund touches almost every person in our community, one way or another. Whether it’s the Christian Care Ministry, youth baseball, softball, and tee ball, the public library, the YMCA, or Wheels to Wellness program, almost every person in Atmore benefits from the program,” said Abby Moseley, secretary for this year’s board.

The board this year consists of a majority of new individuals. The new slate is as follows: Brandy Rigsby Giger, president; Jordan Barnett, vice president/drive chairman; Abby Helton Moseley, secretary; Murlie Johnson, treasurer. Other board members include: Sandra Gray, Joan Hackman, Lesley Harrison and Sydney McGhee.

“I am looking forward to this year’s drive and could not be more thankful for the hardworking, dedicated board of directors this year,” Giger said.

The budget for 2015 is $47,000. The program’s major funding drive involves the Annual Lock-Up that will be held on Thurs., Nov. 12. This event is a selection of about 30 well-known individuals from the community that are challenged to raise $1,000 bail money or be locked up in our city jail. This event often raises the majority of the funds needed for the drive.

Another source of funding comes from local companies in Atmore. At the beginning of the fundraising season, a letter is sent out to each of the businesses in town explaining what United Fund does and how the program helps the community.

This program is a 501(C)(3) which makes all donations tax deductible. Donations are accepted and welcomed at the following address, United Fund of Atmore, P.O. Box 823, Atmore, AL 36504.