City of Bowling Green & United Way of Southern Kentucky host Concert in the Lot

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green’s United Way campaign kicked off on November 1st, and to celebrate, the City hosted the first ever Concert in the Lot at the Center Street Lot between GoBG and the Warren County Fiscal Court parking lots.

“Each department is represented at a table, and their employees will have the opportunity to come out… and we pledge every year, but we’re offering employees the opportunity to pledge the physical form, come out and enjoy some music, some food and just have a good time before Father Winter sets in,” Angela McCarley, the United Way employee coordinator for the City of Bowling Green, says.

The City’s departments came together with one common goal: raising $65,000 for the annual campaign.

“Last year, our goal was $60,000 and city employees managed to raise almost $64,000… so this year, we set a goal of $65,000,” McCarley says.

United Way staff say this year more than ever, they need donations like these from the community.

“In a year where we know the needs are going to be greater, it’s even more important to have donations like that from the city… but also individuals can reach out and support through our website or a call to our office. A lot of people are in need this year, and the city in particular has really stepped up to help us be able to do what we’ve been doing for years,” United Way executive vice president Ellie Harbaugh says.

While the City is one of the key supporters of United Way, they’d like to challenge other groups in Bowling Green to donate themselves.

“It just adds to the fun, and it’s a great way to raise money and engage people in what we’re doing, because the work that we’re doing is heavy stuff… we’re trying to improve kindergarten readiness scores, knowing that our children 0 to 5 are lacking the skills to be successful in the first day of school, but turn it into a fun opportunity for people to come together and support that work is just amazing,” Harbaugh says.

All this work couldn’t get done without groups like the City of Bowling Green and these donations.

“Regardless if they donate a little, regardless if they donate a lot, if they donate one time, if they donate hourly, whatever they donate definitely goes and impacts our community… and this is something that’s volunteer and they do it on their own. They’re not begged to do it, they’re not pushed to do it. It’s just because the city employees care about their community, our surrounding communities, and they want to do their part,” McCarley says.

The day also featured performances from some of the City’s employees, including from Mayor Todd Alcott and City Commissioners Dana Beasley Brown, Melinda Hill and Sue Parrigin, who showed it’s fun to donate to U-nited Way!