Reno County Gears Up: United Way Campaign Officially Underway

United Way of Reno County officially kicked off its 2025-2026 community-wide campaign on Friday, September 5, the day after launching its United Way Ambassadors program for the season. Over 20 Ambassadors will be representing United Way throughout the community—engaging in workplace campaigns, delivering and picking up campaign packets, sharing United Way’s work on social media, and sparking conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about the organization’s impact.

The kick-off brought energy and excitement, with campaign co-chairs Darcy and Rion Rhoades, CEO Lacey Mills, and Director of Development and Marketing Carla Stanfield leading the charge. Staff and Ambassadors braved the rain to cover the street corners of Hutchinson with signs and spirit, letting the community know the campaign is officially underway.

The morning continued with a stop at the Pools Plus Eagle Media booth at the Kansas State Fair for a radio interview, followed by delivering donuts to several workplace campaign partners in a playful nod to the campaign: “Donut you know—it’s the United Way campaign!”

This year’s campaign has a goal of $1.35 million, funds that will support programs in healthy communities, financial security, youth opportunities, and community resiliency across Reno County.

“I serve as a United Way Campaign Ambassador becuase I've seen firsthand the difference it makes in our community. It's an honor to play even a small part in supporting the work that helps so many,” said Jasmine Hurlbut, one of the Ambassadors, highlighting the excitement and pride of being part of this year’s campaign.

United Way Ambassadors play a vital role in spreading the message that “United is the Way”, demonstrating that every conversation, every gift, and every act of support helps lift up the community—one program, one life at a time.