By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

What a year it has been for United Way of Orange County. While reaching out to the community to offer a helping hand and assisting the many organizations partnered with the agency, the non-profit also had to rebuild following the devastating floods of Hurricane Harvey.

Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Thursday at the United Way of Orange County office located at 1506 West Park Ave. in Orange.

The current campaign for raising funds is currently underway for the non-profit making the agency busier than its usual flourish of activities.

“The first official Chemical Row Chili Cookoff will be on October 4,” President and CEO United Way of Orange County Maureen McAllister said.

All proceeds from the event will benefit United Way of Orange County.

Chemical Row Chili Cookoff starts at 11 a.m. at DowDuPont Business Center (formerly DERA). Preorder by Oct. 1 and pay only $5 for a bowl of chili crackers and soft drink or bottled water. Orders after Oct. 1 will be $7. Delivery is available for preorders of 10 or more. Wristband to taste all entries is $20. To preorder or questions, contact 409-883-3591 or email unitedway@uworangetx.com

Representatives from partner agencies will also be on hand during the event.

“When Harvey hit here, United Way Appaloosa adopted us,” McAllister said. “During Florence recovery. We have adopted Coastal Carolinas United Way.”

McAllister also reminded those attending the ceremony, the Granger’s annual 5k was coming soon.

Granger Chevrolet is hosting the annual event on Saturday, October 20 to benefit The United Way of Orange County. The event will be held at 2611 MacArthur Drive in Orange. Register early at www.granger5k.com

Early bird registration is $30. Price will increase after Oct. 10, 2018.

Harvey books are also available at the United Way Office. All proceeds from the books are for Harvey Recovery.

“United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community,” McAllister said, “United Way of Orange County provides funding and support to over twenty Partner Agencies which provide direct services in these areas to individuals from Orange County.”