By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore United Fund Board members are praying for no rain as this year's kick-off quickly approaches.
Thursday will mark the first ever "kick-off celebration" for the United Fund. The celebration is slated for 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Park and is being held in conjunction with the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours.
"We wanted something new and different and something that we thought would spark the interest of the community and get everyone involved including the children," United Fund President Susan Smith said. "Plus, we also wanted to give the community the opportunity to see exactly where the money we raise is appropriated. The agencies that receive these funds will be there that day. Everyone will be able to visit these booths and learn more about the agency."
Agencies will be on hand at booths sharing information about their cause.
The celebration will feature entertainment for young and old alike. Polka Dot the Clown will be on hand to entertain the children as will a moonwalk, which they will have the opportunity to jump around in. Local bands, including the Escambia County High School marching band will perform for the crowd as they fill up on hotdogs, Pepsi and snow cones. There will also be drawings for prizes.
Members of the United Fund Board have been meeting on a regular basis to make sure the event goes off without a hitch. Smith said those preparations are going well.
Smith is hoping an event of this magnitude will help to attract more people to get involved in assisting the agencies United Fund represents.
"Everybody will be able to come out and meet these agencies first hand and see what's available for help in the community," Smith said.
The kick-off celebration will conclude at 7:30 p.m.