As the United Way of the Pennyrile annual fundraising campaign rolls forward, Chris Jung and Cody Noffsinger remain committed to their roles as this year’s co-chairs — diving deep into the respective roles of Joliet “Jake” and Elwood Blues, a duo made famous by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the beloved “Blues Brothers” film.
Tuesday afternoon’s dalliance with the Cadiz Rotary Club was no different, and the “mission from Todd, Christian, Trigg and Caldwell” remains clear going into the homestretch:
Raise $700,000 by the February 20, 2024, wrap-up date and celebration at the Alhambra Theatre, or else.
Much has changed in south western Kentucky since that first campaign — one Jung said brought in more than $26,000. Today, that’s equivalent to roughly $410,000 in purchasing power, but it shows how much larger it’s become in the last seven decades.
Serving as a fundraising umbrella, more than 85 cents per dollar donated goes to a generalized community-based organization in need. If those donations are specialized and earmarked by the giver, those contributions are 100%.
While many of these organizations do have a home base in Christian County, many of them serve anywhere from a four-to-nine-county area. Specifically to Trigg County in 2022:
— Six individuals received help through the Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile;
— More than 130 received assistance through Sanctuary, Inc.’s “Spiritual Enrichment Program;”
— More than 50 obtained help through Kentucky Legal Aid’s Legal Assistance Program;
— Three sought emergency shelter from the Salvation Army;
— More than 320 individuals had Trigg County senior meals provided through Pennyrile Allied Community Services;
— Nine went through the Patience Assistance Program at St. Luke Free Clinic;
— More than 30 people went through the Home Fire Campaign or Service to the Armed Forces programs through the American Red Cross;
— Four individuals embraced the workforce development through Trace Industries;
— And more than 70 medical service and coordination efforts were logged through the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center.
PCAC Executive Director Candra Barnett spoke candidly about their non-profit efforts — noting the United Way’s annual campaign provides key assistance for the work ahead.
The PACS Retired and Senior Volunteer Program — or RSVP initiative — also receives support from the United Way. Kathy Marin Meredith and Alisha Goodwin both assist the Trigg County Senior Center while navigating these key reservists — who, at 55 years and older, give up their time to do things like assist elderly and low-income citizens through filing their taxes, serve as a helper in fifth-grade classrooms, and more.
Other organizations assisted include the Aaron McNeil House, the Armed Forces YMCA, the Boys And Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County, the Christian County Literacy Center, the Christian County Rescue Team, the Christian County Youth Services Advisory Board, the Hopkinsville YMCA, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library.
More could be added in the future, and Noffsinger noted that every community needs help.
There are many ways in which Trigg Countians can get involved. Employees of Wabash, FNB Bank and Bank of Cadiz have opt-in clauses through payroll deduction, and individuals can choose to contribute.
Questions, or quotient, can be directed to 1110 South Main Street in Hopkinsville, by PO Box 587 and zip code 42241, by phone at (270) 886-8171, or online at pennyrileunitedway.org.
