With the United Way of Oxford’s fundraising campaign to kick off in September, Associate Director Kathy Williams gathered the workplace campaign leaders for lunch Wednesday to help motivate them as they start their own projects at work.

After lunch at The Graduate Hotel, Williams told the group their titles have been changed from coordinators to ambassadors.

“We at United Way realized how important you are, not only as someone who coordinates projects but you’re ambassadors at work spreading the word about United Way.”

Williams said 75 percent of the campaign funds are raised through the workplace campaign.

Alice Ricks, UW director, told the ambassadors that every dollar they raise at work helps to change lives and shared success stories of local people who have received help through United Way’s partners.

“Thousands of people are touched by your donations,” Ricks said.

United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County awarded $345,000 to area programs this year including LOU Excel by 5, Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, American Red Cross, Leap Frog and dozens more.

Many local businesses take part in the Workplace Campaign by having a portion of their paycheck deducted for UW.

“Whether it’s $1 or $5 a week, every bit helps,” Williams said.

The group discussed project ideas and past projects held to raise funds.

“Keep it fun,” Williams said. “Put the ‘fun’ back in ‘fundraiser.’”

The 2017 fundraising campaign will officially kick off on Sept. 7 during a lunch banquet at the Oxford Conference Center.

For more information on how to become a workplace ambassador, contact Williams at 662-236-4265 or via email at info@UnitedWayOxfordMS.org.