CHESTERTOWN — The United Way of Kent County will launch its 2023-2024 fundraising campaign Sept. 1. The program supports 24 partner agencies, each dedicated to making a positive impact on the community in the pillars of health, education and financial stability.
The public is invited to join them from 5-7 p.m. on High Street in downtown Chestertown to meet the partner agencies firsthand, and gain insights into the diverse range of programs that will benefit from this year’s contributions.
One new partner is Minary’s Dream Alliance Club F.E.A.R. (Face Everything and Rise) program for 12–17-years old and their families who are impacted by or diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. This particular program focuses on providing substance use disorder education, self-care, social skills development and family engagement.
Other partner agencies include: the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of the Del-Mar-Va Council, Camp Fairlee, Easterseals, Character Counts/Chesapeake Charities, Chester River Arts — KidSPOT, Community Food Pantry, Community Mediation Upper Shore, Compass Regional Hospice, Echo Hill Outdoor School, For All Seasons, Good Neighbor Fund/CVMA. Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Kent Attainable Housing, Kent County Cares Foundation, MD Food Bank, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Open Door Partners in Education, Rock Hall Blessing Bag Program, Rock Hall Yacht Club Sailing School Scholarship Program, Samaritan Group, Shore Legal Access, and Sister to Sister.
One of the significant highlights of the campaign kickoff event is the announcement of the upcoming November fundraiser, Kent’s Got Talent. This entertainment showcase promises to bring the community together in a celebration of local talents and creativity. All are invited to share their talents for the community through a 3-5 minute video that provides those selected with the opportunity to perform live at the Garfield Theater on Nov. 10, when there will be a ticketed dinner provided by local celebrity chef Robbie Jester and local wine and food and donated by Crow Farm, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Lands End Farm, Lockbriar Farms & Daughter, Orchard Point Oysters and Waterman’s Wife.
“We believe that every person has a unique talent that can contribute to the betterment of our community” Hope Clark continued. “Kent’s Got Talent is not only a platform to showcase our local brilliance but also a means to uplift the vital work of our Partner Agencies. The United Way of Kent County encourages everyone to participate in this year’s fundraising campaign and become a driving force for positive change within the community. Together, we can create opportunities for growth, learning, and support that will benefit all residents of Kent County.”
For more information about the United Way of Kent County 2023-2024 fundraising campaign or the Kent’s Got Talent event, please visit https://www.kentcountysgottalent.com/ or contact Hope Clark via email at help@unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by phone, 410-778-3195.