SHERMAN, TX -- Volunteers with the United Way of Grayson County are busy finalizing plans for their annual fundraiser kick-off. They've added a special event this year that's already attracted more than 200 participants, and KXII is proud to be a sponsor!.

The Grayson County courthouse lawn will be transformed Saturday morning, as United Way staff, board members and volunteers, join together with area non-profits and community members for the annual Campaign Kickoff.

The United Way's fundraising campaign starts on August 28th and runs through the fall, helping to raise money for local non-profits, including the Four Rivers Outreach Center, in Sherman.

"When I walked into this place I felt so much love," said Penny Schmidt. "It made me want to be able give back what was given to me because of my drug addictions."

The drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, is funded completely by donations and grants. Penny Schmidt will be on hand on Saturday. So will representatives of 19 other agencies that the United Way funds.
Staff say seeing how your money helps people in the community like Penny, is the best way to raise awareness of what the United Way truly does.

"We''re able to go to big corporations when smaller non-profits organizations aren't able to go, so we're their voice.," said Campaign Director Minerva Paredes. "We're able to speak for them."

There's a unique twist to Kickoff this year--the "Hustle for Health".
In an effort to promote a healthier community, the United Way and Cigna, along with KXII and other sponsors, are hosting 5 or 10 K, or a fun run. There are still opportunities to sign up before the run begins at 8:30 Saturday morning.
And starting at 11:00 am, the United Way will host a cookoff for the community, with children's activities and music on the lawn for those, who'd rather support the United Way, without their running shoes.