For 125 years, the United Way has been a boots-on-the-ground force for change in our country. In 1962, they organized in Lewis County with a mission to serve the community through donations of advocacy, assistance, time, and money for residents in need. Their fundraising efforts have grown from an $8,000 budget 50 years ago to successfully meeting a goal of $600,000 for victims of the 2007 Lewis County flooding.
In 2001, United Way of Lewis County director Debbie Campbell met with Lucky Eagle Casino CEO John Setterstrom to instigate a combined fund drive benefitting Lewis, Thurston, and Grays Harbor United Way organizations. Setterstrom himself had personally benefitted from United Way aid and believed so strongly in their mission that he encouraged all Lucky Eagle employees to participate in the drive. He believed in the cause so much that he organized an informational meeting during regular work hours.
This partnership blossomed quickly as campaigns which began by raising $10,000 quickly grew to over $60,000. “The employees are very generous, and really believe in taking care of each other and their community,” says Campbell. Over the last five years, the Lucky Eagle Casino and its employees have donated over $420,000 to these local United Way groups.
When Lewis County was hit by tremendous flooding in 2007, the Sheriff’s department asked the United Way to manage all incoming financial donations. Every penny of the over one million dollars raised was poured back into the community in the form of sheetrock, flooring, and supplies needed to return families to their homes.
Not only did the United Way distribute money, they also set up warehouses for building supplies and donations of clothing and household materials for local pick-up. Over 30,000 people were affected by the flood but director Campbell stresses that “in the midst of the worst devastation Lewis County has ever experienced, we saw an enduring human spirit coming from citizens, employees, school children, faith based groups and so many more to mention that truly lifted the spirits of Lewis County residents and delivered all we could hope for and more. When we look back at the endless hours, sleepless nights and the immeasurable amount of support, there is truly only one word to describe Lewis County and that is resilient. Our community has proven they have resiliency, time and time again. The people in Lewis County have been able to bounce back and successfully adapt to adversity. The volunteers during the flood of ‘07 were the backbone of the disaster relief process for Lewis County and surrounding areas.”
In the years since, the United Way’s outreach has focused on lighter topics. This is the fifth year of their “Chefs’ Night Out” at the Lucky Eagle, and the casino donates not only space but the food and staff as well. They hope to raise over $40,000 from this event alone! Thursday August 6 is the eighth annual “Power of the Purse” event featuring models, fashion, jewelry, and accessories all celebrating women’s philanthropy and leadership in Lewis County.
For event information and sign-ups or to donate time or resources, call 360-748-8100 or visit their website at www.lewiscountyuw.com.
