About United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties-

In 1959 the first United Way fundraising campaign took place in Longview as the Cowlitz County United Fund. The goal of that campaign was $100,000 to be allocated to 12 charitable organizations. That first effort raised $107,069, surpassing its goal by 7%. In ten year’s time, the Cowlitz County United Fund grew by 100%.

Further success and growth were marked in 1981 when under the leadership of Margaret Spence, the local campaign raised $500,000. Support was given to 16 local charitable organizations.

The Cowlitz County United Fund became United Way of Cowlitz County in 1989 with Kay Green at its helm. The organization supported 22 local organizations, and in the coming ten years, would raise over $900,000 a year.

In 1996 Bob Johnson followed Kay Green as the agency’s Director. With that change, the United Way moved to a new “Outcome” based funding system. In 1998 and 1999 the organization raised over $1,000,000 each year.

Today, Kalei C. LaFave is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the local United Way.  The 2012 Campaign goal is $750,000 in which funding will be allocated in March of 2012 to 23 non-profit agencies in our communities.

The United Way is considered a “full-service” United Way – it is a community problem-solving institution and manages resources to increase the capacity of people to care for one another. United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties impacts our communities by raising and distributing money to local organizations. It also operates, supports or oversees direct services that include the Day of Caring, WIN 211, Early Learning, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and in-kind donations of services and materials.

In 2011, Williams Company created the Ash Kicker 5k fundraising event raising $190,643.12.  Again, on May 19th, 2012 the Ask Kicker event will be the pace setting event for our 2012 campaign.  They are matching 100% up to $100,000 in contributions and proceeds.  All donations will be awarded to the United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties and will be added to our 2012 goal! 

Thank you Williams Company, Travis and Shannon Wickham, Sadie Smith and “Ashton” for putting on such an amazing event for our communites and making a huge difference for the loacl people in need.  We LOVE you!

Sign up and register now for the Ash Kicker at www.ashkicker.org and visit their Facebook page at Ash Kicker.