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Beverly (left) and Bill Owens have been named the 2019-2020 co-chairs for the upcoming Hopkins County United Way campaign. Staff photo by Tammy Vinson
The Hopkins County United Way is looking for some heroes. And the organization found them in Beverley and Bill Owens as the 2019-2020 campaign co-chairs
“I for one am very excited for Bill and Beverley,” said board president Mike Jumper. “Bill, as a new board member, stepped up and immediately got thrown in the fire.”
Bill announced a United Way workers’ luncheon is scheduled for noon Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Southwest Dairy Museum.
A lead donor luncheon will be held at the Sulphur Springs Country Club at noon Wednesday, Sept. 25.
The first report meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The proposed theme for the 2019-20 campaign is “Be a HERO – Give to the United Way.”
“By being a hero,” Bill explained, “give hope, empowerment, renewing and opportunities.”
“I have a few examples,” Owens continued. “We give hope for 1,250 unduplicated families, 36% of those who are unemployed and 26% disabled. Through CANHelp, for food, clothing, rent — just the basic necessities. Empowerment, for helping Boy Scouts prepare for adult life. Renewing, for those trapped in substance abuse, through recovery and education and prevention, through the East Texas Council on Drug Abuse. And opportunities for kids to learn sewing skills and do livestock shows, nutrition workshops, public speaking through being part of the Hopkins County 4-H Club.”
Bill has learned a lot since being named co-chair, he said.
“I knew the United Way was a good thing. Our company gave a few hundred dollars and I got to go to the luncheon, but there’s really a great need in our community,” he said.
Anyone wishing to serve as a campaign volunteer should contact Susan Berning at susanb.unitedway@suddenlink.net or 903-243-4066, Bill Owens at bowens139@gmail.com or 903-348-5122, or Beverley Owens and bowens@alliancebank.com or 903-348-5121.