By Carl Keith Greene / Staff Writer
United Way of Laurel County kicked off its annual radio/television auction with much success Wednesday.
The annual fundraising event began about 54 years ago after the agency was established.
It can be seen on Time-Warner in the London area, and NewWave that covers the area east of London along KY 80 and Corbin. It will also be on WOBZ television on channel 9 in the London area and WFTG at 1400 kHz.
Weekdays it is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.
Merchandise donated to be sold ranges from furniture to antiques, jewelry to prints, tires to tools and a plethora of products, said Judy Nicholson, executive director.
The agency has a board of 11 members. “We’re really well-represented by diverse members,” Nicholson said.
Last year’s auction netted some $26,000 and she said she hopes to raise about $27,000 this year.
United Way funds about $100,000 of donations in support of 24 agencies that care for those in need.
It also funds through grants the summer food program. Last summer, some $27,000 in grants came for that project.
The group also does minor home repairs and adds wheelchair ramps. When the need arises, Nicholson said, they pick up the phone and call a church or business.
“With the money we bring in and the lives we impact, we’re looking at about $170,000,” Nicholson said.
Also last year, a $41,000 grant funded the emergency food and shelter program with money going to the Older Persons Activity Center, ComeUnity Cooperative Care, the homeless shelter and the Back Pack Club.
Auctioneers last night were Randy Smith, Mike Giles, Rodney Kuhl and Bridgett Dunaway.
Tonight will see Willie Sawyers, Roger Schott, Paul Rubino and Steve Kain. Friday sellers will be Doug Phelps, Ward Stokes, Doug Benge and Devin Ford and Saturday morning Steve Barnett, Ken Harvey, Tony Brown and Bud Stuber.
Other groups assisted by United Way include DARE, Drug Court, 4-H, First Priority, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Healthy Communities, Laurel County Adult Education and Literacy, Laurel County Life Center, Laurel-London Optimist Club, LEAP, London-Laurel County Rescue Squad, Q Sports, Red Cross, Shop with a Cop, South Laurel Little League challenge division, St. William Thanksgiving Program and Tri-County Hospice.
