September 14, 2018
Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns addresses the kickoff for the local United Way campaign.
Old-fashioned rock and roll music, tasty food, beverages and a commitment to helping the community brought hundreds from Ball State University to downtown Muncie Thursday Sept. 13 as the United Way of Delaware County kicked off its 2018 fundraising campaign.
The event was highlighted by a reunion concert featuring all five original members of United Voices that played to sold-out houses at Emens Auditorium in support of the United Way and have not performed together since 2007.
Shortly before the free concert, Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns told the gathering that, in the year since he was officially installed as the University’s 17th President, Ball State and Muncie have launched a new partnership in “Better Together."
“There is no better illustration of this partnership than our University’s continuing support of the United Way of Delaware County,” President Mearns said. “Our University has a proud history of supporting the United Way. Historically, ours has been one of the largest employee campaigns in Delaware County.”
The President noted that Ball State’s campaign goal is to raise $180,000 for United Way.
“Our donations—like yours—are helping make a difference in ending generational poverty in Muncie and Delaware County,” he said. “Ball State is committed to this community—a commitment that dates back to our founders and their inextricable ties to Muncie.”
As an extension of this commitment, President Mearns said, a small army of Ball State faculty, staff, and students were expected to participate on Friday in the campaign’s “Day of Action.”
For the annual “Day of Action,” volunteers from around Delaware County come together to serve partnering non-profits. United Way matches participating non-profits with motivated volunteers from local businesses and service groups who dedicate their time and effort to improve the community.
“Last year, about 360 members of our campus community were involved in this day-long event. This year, we plan to surpass that number,” President Mearns said. “I look forward to joining so many of you as together we celebrate our commitment to the local community and to our United Way.”
By Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist