CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Amidst the excitement of a Govs victory over Morehead State, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region challenged the community to help score big wins for those in need.

During the record-breaking game, representatives gathered on field at Fortera Stadium to rally support for this year’s “Game Changer” giving campaign. With the help of Govs cheerleaders, the local nonprofit announced its 2017-2018 campaign goal of $1,100,000.

“United Way fights for the Education, Health and Financial Stability of every local resident in our community. We’re here tonight to kick-off this year’s giving campaign, but we are more than fundraisers. We are the hand-raisers. The game changers,” said Ginna Holleman, local United Way CEO. “Together, we take on challenges and tackle problems most shy away from. No matter the obstacles. No matter the odds. United we fight and united we win, just as the Govs have shown us here tonight.”

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Courtesy: United Way

United Way gains much of its fundraising dollars through workplace giving campaigns. Earlier in the week, campaign coordinators from local workplace partners convened at a “Breakfast of Champions” also held inside Fortera Stadium.

Guest Speaker and APSU Football Head Coach Will Healy shared an inspiring message with attendees. “Our first priority is to positively shape the lives of the young men who play for the Govs. From the ages of 18-23, we have the opportunity to set an example of being husbands, fathers and role models. I may fail at winning a game, but I won’t ever fail at this. The majority of our players come from single parent families. For some, we are their only family. They come here and join this team because they want to be part of the culture we have at Austin Peay and that starts with taking care of each other and our community. Like United Way, we believe strongly in this responsibility and it’s always at the forefront of our hearts and our program,” he said.

Saturday night, Healy led the Govs to carry that winning spirit into a 69-13 landslide victory, breaking the nation’s longest losing streak.

This year’s campaign aims to inspire individuals to surround our community’s most critical problems.
To learn more about United Way of the Greater Clarksville Regions local impact and how to get involved, visit www.liveunitedclarksville.org or call (931) 647-4291.