The mission to improve health, education, and financial stability for all is fulfilled by United Ways across all the areas served, including right here in Middle Tennessee. United Way of Bedford County has served its local community for 32 years, with memorable impact through events and programs like Stuff the Bus, 2-1-1, Day of Caring, and more.
An exciting development from this year is the expansion of United Way’s service area, announced at the organization’s annual meeting in August. In the spring of 2023, United Way of Bedford County merged with United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties to create a new four-county service area. The local United Way will now serve Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, and Lincoln counties.
“Bedford County United Way is thrilled about our recent merger with United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, with new opportunities for collaboration this merger amplifies our collective impact in serving our communities,” comments Kayla Hilliard, Board Chair of the Bedford County United Way. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission, and we look forward to the positive changes and growth it will bring.”
The local United Way is presently serving all four counties – Bedford, Cannon, Lincoln, and Rutherford – through programs and initiatives dedicated to improving health, education, and financial stability for all. A new name to appropriately reflect the growing service area is forthcoming and will be shared with the community in the coming months.
President and CEO of the local United Way, Meagan Flippin, shares, “This new endeavor is a great opportunity for community collaboration and expansion of our collective impact. This growth is made possible by the donors, sponsors, and volunteers of our local United Way. We are excited for the year ahead and the larger impact we can have together in our growing community.”
The announcement precedes the launch of an online fundraising campaign called Give United, taking place on October 24, 25, and 26. The local United Way has set a goal to raise $350,000 in these three days through donations and fundraising online throughout the four-county area. The money raised during this campaign will go toward financial stability, education, and health programs and initiatives in the growing community. Donors have the option to designate their donation to specific service areas, including Bedford County. To learn more about Give United, visit yourlocaluw.org/giveunited.
A celebration has been planned for October 26th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN. The community is invited to join your local United Way to celebrate the introduction of our expanded service areas – Bedford, Cannon, Rutherford, and Lincoln counties – and set our sights on the greater impact we will make together. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live entertainment will be provided. Register for the event at yourlocaluw.org/bedford.
For more information about your local United Way, visit yourlocaluw.org.
Bedford County Government Photo: Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed a proclamation Monday proclaiming Thursday, Oct. 26, as “United Way Day” in Bedford County. From left: John Carney of Bedford County government, member of Bedford County Advisory Committee; Shay Maupin of Duck River Electric, vice-chair of Bedford County Advisory Committee and member of UWRCC board of directors; Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham; and Kayla Hilliard of First Community Bank of Tennessee, chair of Bedford County Advisory Committee and member of UWRCC board of directors.
