Who Is United Way Of Hays County And What is ‘Taste of Hays’?

Who Is United Way of Hays County?

 

The weekend’s weather forecast for Hays County looks gloomy, but when it comes to taking care of our neighbors, our future is bright, according to organizers of an annual fundraiser that pits local restaurants for “best of” titles in a friendly competition.

 

“Government can’t and shouldn’t do it all when it comes to social services,” said Kim Porterfield, chair of the United Way of Hays County board of directors. “Your local United Way supports raising our community out of poverty, not putting band-aids on situations.  With the help of hundreds of donors, volunteers and partner agencies, we will make a difference in the lives of more than 50,000 Hays County residents this year alone.”

 

Saturday, the community is invited to partake in a friendly competition among local businesses in the hospitality industry while supporting local agencies that provide essential services to Hays County’s most vulnerable citizens at the Sixth Annual United Way of Hays County’s Taste of Hays County, which will be held at Duchman Winery in Driftwood on Saturday, April 11 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or on-line and proceeds support United Way agencies and initiatives.

 

“There is an amazing line-up of restaurants this year,” said Michelle Harper, executive director of United Way of Hays County. Participants include Bailey’s Burgers, Centerpoint Station, Cody’s Bistro & Lounge, Holy Rollers Cinnamon Rolls, Ilario’s Italian Cuisine, Kent Black’s Barbecue, Mochas & Javas, Rocky River Grille, Sweet-N-Sassy, The Big Kahuana, Yogurt In Love and many others.

 

Also featured will be live entertainment, and silent and live auctions filled with items you won’t want to miss. Keith Kelso, a Hays County native, will provide live music as guests check out menu samplings from restaurants, browse silent auction tables and mingle with guests from around the county.

 

Porterfield explained that United Way of Hays County believes that by funding high-quality programs in areas of Education, Income and Health, building blocks for a good life are provided. “When families have enough income to sustain them through retirement, when all children in the community are educated and have the skills they need to succeed and when all families are healthy and safe, a community is raised up,” she said.

 

Harper explained that United Way of Hays County funds local programs (not organizations) selected by local resident board members and does not contribute to regional or national agendas that fund controversial or divisive programs. Programs are vetted to ensure they fill local needs, do not duplicate services and are financially sound, she said.

 

This year’s partners include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, Boy Scouts of America — Capitol Area Council, Combined Community Action — Meals on Wheels, Early Childhood Intervention — Hays County Homespun, GENaustin, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Greater San Marcos Youth Council, Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Hays County Food Bank (*non-funded agency), San Marcos CISD School Age Parenting Program, San Marcos Housing Authority Resident Services, San Marcos Youth Service Bureau, and Southside Community Center.

 

Board members gave a few examples of how UWHC is supporting prosperity in San Marcos. “UWHC is working to make sure that the youngest members of our community have all opportunities they need to succeed.  In Central Texas, 50% of all kindergarteners do not have the skills they need to succeed. UWHC’s Born Learning/Born to Read campaign teaches new parents simple things like how to use everyday activities, like teaching colors to their children, when they are shopping in the produce section of HEB,” said Michelle Hamilton, board vice chair and director of the Texas State University Center for P-16 Initiatives said.

 

At San Marcos High School, United Way brings speakers to the “Lunch Learn LIVE UNITED” programs that help students learn about different careers, how to build soft skills, like communication and professionalism, to help them become college and career ready, Hamilton continued.

 

Hamilton said that in the area of income, United Way of Hays County supports the San Marcos Housing Authority’s Family Self Sufficiency program that gives families the tools and strategies they need to get out of debt and become productive, contributing citizens.

 

“Health is so important to a prosperous community,” she added. UWHC partners with the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to provide prevention classes in school districts and help provide counseling for families if they do have a drug or alcohol problem so they can remain strong and productive.

 

Harper, who is in her seventh year as executive director for United Way of Hays County, said that the organization is governed by a local board of directors comprised of men and women who represent all walks of life from all parts of Hays County.  “These dedicated volunteers help to fundraise, staff community events and programs and oversee the $365,000 budget of United Way each year. These funds mainly come from workplace campaigns your friends and neighbors participate in at their jobs,” she said.

 

These volunteers also make tough decisions about what programs to fund each year based on our mission of improving the lives of Hays County residents by mobilizing the caring power of our community in the areas of Education, Income and Health, Porterfield said. “I volunteer for United Way because decisions are made locally about what programs are funded.”

 

“Taste of Hays County is a fun way to support increasing prosperity in our community,” Porterfield said.

 

For more information, visit the United Way of Hays County website, www.unitedwayhaysco.org,