From the United Way of Central Kansas...
The United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) is thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for the 2026 Kickoff Event: You Are the Key to Our Community! Mark your calendars on August 2nd for an unforgettable evening filled with dinner, drinks, dessert, raffles, a silent auction, live auction items, and a high-energy dueling piano performance by none other than The Colorado Keys.
At UWCK, we believe that when a community comes together, real change happens. That’s why this event goes far beyond an evening of entertainment—it’s about transforming lives right here at home. Every ticket sold and every dollar raised at our biggest fundraiser of the year fuels the programs that are making a real difference in Central Kansas:
· $100,000 invested in local non-profit partners—driving powerful programs forward!
· 11,000 books delivered to children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
· 700+ students across 9 schools were provided with financial literacy tools through 3 Reality U events and #RealWorld.
· 4,284 loads of laundry for 1,564 individuals through Laundry Love.
· 800+ school supplies and hygiene products distributed to local students in Hoisington, Ellinwood, and Larned along with 200 backpacks filled for Great Bend students.
· 450+ pantry items collected for the Hoisington Community Food Bank and over 100 paper products collected for Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center through Stuff the Bus.
· 500 seniors receiving a Box of Love.
· $1,500 provided through Auto Care Access to keep families on the road by helping with vehicle maintenance expenses.
By joining us at this high-energy event, you’re helping provide students with books and financial literacy opportunities, easing the burden for parents struggling to make ends meet, and creating a stronger, more stable future for someone right here in Central Kansas.
Join us for a night of celebration, generosity, and community impact. Together, let’s keep these vital programs growing.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Charell Owings at 620-792-2403 or unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com or purchase online at Key to our Community | United Way of Central Kansas. Let’s make this year’s Kickoff Event the most impactful one yet!