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United Way of West Georgia (UWWG) kicked off its 2024 fundraising campaign on Wednesday with a luncheon at Del’avant in LaGrange. 

The annual luncheon officially kicks off the non-profit’s annual fundraising efforts and serves as an introduction to the year’s campaign team.

This year’s baseball-themed campaign is “Be a Champion.” Four “All-Star” community leaders were chosen to head up this year’s campaign. The team consists of Kane Bradfield, LaGrange Fire Chief Willie Bradfield, Heather Graham and Nicole Kennedy.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this committee, allowing me to be a part of changing what’s going on in this community,” Kane said.

Money raised through the United Way campaign goes to support 20-plus non-profit agencies in West Georgia.

The agencies supported by United Way West Georgia include the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, CASA of Troup County, Children’s Advocacy Center, Communities in Schools, Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Good Shepherd Therapeutic Center, Harmony House Interfaith Food Closet, the LaGrange, Hogansville and West Point Active Life, LaGrange and Hogansville Empty Stocking Fund, LaGrange Personal Aid, Literacy Volunteers of Troup County, Maidee Smith Early Care & Learning Center, Salvation Army, Self Help Harbor, Senior Companions, Special Olympics of Troup County and Success by 6.

“My husband and I have supported United Way for many years on the leadership level because we believe it is the best way and best use of our charitable dollars, which stay right here in our community,” Graham said.

Because of the success of last year’s fundraising campaign, UWWG is setting the bar higher this year, hoping to raise even more funds to help local partner agencies.

“Last year, we all worked together and surpassed our goal of $850,000, hitting a grand slam and raising $940,000 for our community,” Willie said. “This year, we have increased our campaign goal to $900,000.”

Another way people can help is through United Way’s Fourth Annual Day of Caring on Oct. 24, where volunteers give their time to help with various community projects, Kane said.