The Capital Area United Way of Pierre and Fort Pierre officially began its 2024-25 fundraising campaign Friday night (Sept. 13, 2024) by holding a tailgate party before the Governors home football game. Executive Director Becky Spoehr says an estimated $4000 was raised by pulled pork sandwich supper, thanks in part to a match from Beck Motor Company. She says the tailgate fundraiser also served as the kickoff to CAUW’s 35th anniversary. CAUW Board President Laura Ringling says everyone in the Pierre-Fort Pierre area either knows someone or has personally benefited from one or more of the partner agencies. She says the campaign goal is $585,000. The campaign co-chairpersons are former CAUW board members Jamie Beck, Jenny Bernhard, Tony Farmen and Laurie Gill. People wanting to volunteer for the campaign can call 605-224-9229 or apply online at https://www.capareaunitedway.org/volunteerform. To schedule your CAUW campaign presentation, please click this link. To make a donation or pledge, visit www.capareaunitedway.org. Donations can also be made to Capital Area United Way, PO Box 1111, Pierre, SD 57501. The 13 partner agencies currently financially supported by the Capital Area United Way are: the American Red Cross, Oahe Chapter; Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area; Central South Dakota Child Assessment Center; Community Youth and Involved Center; Feeding South Dakota; Growing Up Together; Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center; Oahe Child Development Center; Oahe Family YMCA; Pierre Area Referral Service; South Dakota Discovery Center; Southeast Community Center; and The Right Turn.