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LEWISTOWN -- The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata's annual fundraising campaign might be winding down, but the last push for donations is just ramping up.
Their campaign to raise a goal of $450,000 closes in mid-May, with the upcoming A Night at the Races and their annual Golf United Classic at Lewistown Country Club on May 10 as the major fundraisers remaining.
"We've raised a bit over $208,000," United Way of Mifflin-Juniata Executive Director Colette Hartzler said. "After we hold our golf tournament, we will close the campaign after that.
"We thought we would try something new this year with the Night of the Races event," she added.
A Night at the Races, to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Moose Family Center, 80 Brady Lane, Lewistown, is coming up fast. Doors open at 6 p.m. The United Way is still seeking table and horse race sponsors for the event.
A Night at the Races is the perfect event for a fun-filled evening featuring a Kentucky Derby hat contest, Just Ducky elimination game, live auction race and 50/50 raffle.
Pittsburgh's "Most Magical" Night of Races caller, Jason Christopher, will be calling the races. His specifically designed show features race calling with hysterical horse names, lots of entertainment and much excitement.
A Night at the Races, also known as video horse racing, is popular because it brings the fun and excitement of the racetrack by recreating the racetrack atmosphere.
Hartzler hopes the action will have guests hanging onto their seats and cheering for their horse as a night at the races turns the United Way fundraiser into a rousing success. Tickets cost $40 per person or $75 per couple, and include a horse, food and one drink. A cash bar is also available.
Table reservations are also available for the event: seating for 10 is $400; 8 is $325; and 6 is $250.
"Purchasing a ticket is not only buying a fun night of horsing around fun, but the funds we make will go into our 2024 campaign which will be used to provide much needed funding to our wonderful partners, like the Fayette Lions Den and their important summer camps for kids; the DeLauter Center, which works to create a safe haven for kids to learn life skills, enjoy crafts and exercise with caring, safe adults; or the libraries that provide wonderful storytimes for children," Hartzler explained.
"These are the things that the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata care about and the causes we have committed to support," she added.
The United Way is also promoting the Walk for Warmth to be held at Kish Park on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Over the holidays, the United Way held its Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 15, and those who participated were certainly in a giving spirit. "We raised about $1,800, which is great news," said Hartzler, which is nearly four times the amount of $500 she had expected to be raised.
One final push should get the United Way successfully to the fundraising finish line.
"We are looking forward to a great time on Jan. 27, and we hope you will join us," Hartzler said of A Night at the Races.
Registration and sponsorship forms are available at www.mjunitedway.org. For more information, call (717) 248-9636, visit the United Way's website or find them on Facebook.