The Chilton County United Way held its annual kickoff luncheon on Wednesday for the 2013-2014 fundraising campaign.

With this year’s theme titled, “Be a Spark, Light the Flame of Hope,” United Way organizers challenged those in attendance to reach the organization’s current goal of $200,000.

Although United Way board chairman Curtis Smith acknowledged the organization was unable to meet the 2012-2013 goal which was also $200,000, Smith said he is optimistic the goal will be reached this year.

“We don’t always meet our goal, but we try to make it,” Smith said. “This is a great program though because it helps so many people.”

Representatives from local businesses and agencies attended the luncheon held at the Alabama Power Company Conference Center.

Event entertainment was provided by a group of Chilton County High School students who performed various songs from “Blast from the Past.”

United Way campaign chairman Bobby Martin provided the campaign challenge telling everyone that it takes a community to raise support for the organization.

“That is the reason it is called United Way,” Martin said. “Everyone has to be united in raising money.”

Contributors to this year’s kickoff luncheon were Alabama Power Company, Boomerangs, Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Culp Fruits, Dari Delite, Larry Gore Produce, Mizzell’s Super Saver, Peach Park, Piggly Wiggly, Wadsworth Oil-The Store, Walmart and Winn Dixie Grocers.

The Chilton County United Way currently supports the following agencies: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Care Net, Child Protect, Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health, Chilton County YMCA, Chilton Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Department of Human Resources, Family Sunshine Center, 4-H Program (Alabama Cooperative Extension), Freedom Forum, Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama, Habitat for Humanity Autauga and Chilton counties, Humane Society of Chilton County, Operation Santa Claus-Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Pediatric Rehab, PEECH (Chilton Education Foundation) Raleigh’s Place, SPAN of Chilton County, Toys for Kids Maplesville, West Central Alabama Rehab. and the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce.

“This organization would not be possible without all of the help from the organizations supporting us,” Smith said. “We can’t do this by ourselves.”

The event concluded with Van Forrester who presented a check on behalf of the Alabama Power Foundation kicking off the 2013-2014 campaign.