Press release from United Way of Gloucester County
United Way of Gloucester County hosted its 21st annual Campaign Kickoff on Thursday, Aug. 16 at RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford. This event marks the official launch of the annual fundraising appeal, and this year’s theme was “Sports Hall of Fame.” The event included competitive games where employees from local companies and organizations competed to win the coveted first place trophy as well as bragging rights.
“The Campaign Kickoff is an annual event that our corporate and agency partners look forward to each year,” said Michael Gower, Executive Director of the United Way of Gloucester County. “It’s an opportunity to connect with colleagues, friends, and family, all to support a good cause.”
The event featured several sports-themed games such as baseball slingshot, a basketball shootout, a football toss, and more. Competitors sported gear to support their favorite team, whether it was a professional sports team or their own company team for the event. Eighteen teams competed in a series of challenges to earn the title of “Battle of the Corporate Stars” champions.
Competing companies and organizations included Abilities Solutions, AC Schultes, The Arc Gloucester, Coperion K-Tron, the County of Gloucester, ExxonMobil Lube Plant, GGB, Hungerford & Terry, Solvay Specialty Polymers, Fulton Bank of New Jersey, NewPoint Behavioral Health, Paulsboro Refining Company, Robins’ Nest, Cipriani Remodeling Solutions, Repauno Preschool Day Care Center, Bellia Print and Design, Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and TummyTee LLC.
While teams competed, family, friends, and colleagues enjoyed food from Ciconte’s Italia Pizza, water ice from Mr. C’s Water Ice, and soft pretzels from the Philly Pretzel Factory of Mullica Hill. Children enjoyed face painting, mini games, and family fun.
This year’s champion was Solvay Specialty Polymers, followed by second place winners Paulsboro Refining Company, and AC Schultes placed third in the competition. Fans watched as the competition grew fierce with the tailgate-themed relay produced by community volunteers Kathy and Ed Schultes. The last part of the competition was a mystery contest, which included a sports trivia portion.
United Way of Gloucester County is grateful for the dedicated volunteers who made this event a success, the event competitors and supporters, and the food and water ice sponsors. Thank you for stepping up to the plate to be somebody in the community.
