Football. That’s the operative word throughout Madison County, but especially on the Anderson University side of town. Streets are being paved, plans are being made and people are excited.
The United Way system is so closely aligned with football that it almost seems like the Colts Training Camp is an extension of our community engagement. In fact, the city partnered with our Volunteer Action Center/RSVP to put out the word for Colts Camp Hosts. In three days, nearly 100 people registered at www.volunteermadisoncounty.org.
Our strong partnership with Anderson University has provided us an opportunity to offer a hospitality event during the training to our leadership givers, and our partnership with Anderson Parks Department has helped us coordinate the launch of the second Born Learning Trail in Anderson as part of the training camp wrap up festivities Aug. 14 at Shadyside Park.
One of our partner agencies, Children’s Bureau, will be the beneficiary of an Aug. 13 luncheon featuring Colts President Bill Polian. Sponsored by Madison County Federal Credit Union, the event is open to the public and includes the afternoon practice. For ticket information, contact Children’s Bureau at (317) 264-2700 or pmckinnis@childresnbureau.org.
The NFL and United Way partnership is the most visible and longest running charitable collaboration of its kind. For 35 years, this partnership has been a shining example of the tangible good that can be leveraged when two household icons are harnessed into a powerful vehicle for real change in communities. There is a shared commitment, a joint goal of working together to make an impact in the communities served by both institutions.
While the most visible aspects of the partnership are the annual public service advertising campaign — which this year features the Colts’ Gary Brackett — and the Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show, the NFL’s support of United Way extends beyond advertising to local communities where NFL teams and players work directly with United Way to help make a difference in the community.
On any given Tuesday, NFL players are out in the community — encouraging kids to stay in school, serving meals to the elderly, helping to build homes for low-income families. Once a year, NFL teams join forces with United Way on a single day for the annual Hometown Huddle. During this national day of community service, NFL heroes from each of the 32 NFL teams put down their shoulder pads and pick up a paintbrush, box of canned goods or a spatula to lend aid and assistance to members of their communities. More than 300 players, team representatives and their families interact with approximately 3,000 United Way agency recipients during Hometown Huddle events held coast to coast.
Look for Gary Brackett on local billboards this month as part of the PSA campaign and take advantage of this community-wide fun fest. More importantly, follow the example set by the Colts and the entire NFL and find your own unique way to “Live United.”
Nancy Vaughan is president of United Way of Madison County. She can be reached at n.vaughan@unitedwaymadisonco.org, or (765) 643-7493.
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Nancy Vaughan: Colts camp provides community engagement
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