Graniteville, South Carolina, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The United Way of Aiken County kicked off its fundraising campaign at a Super Mario-themed event in Graniteville. With a goal of over $2 million, the campaign aims to support more than 40 local programs addressing critical needs like food security and affordable housing. Campaign chair Chris Bryant, dressed as Mario, encouraged donors to ‘level up’ their giving to tackle pressing local issues. Community leaders joined the efforts, highlighting the impact of the United Way in fostering collaboration among local agencies.
Graniteville
The United Way of Aiken County officially launched its 2025-26 fundraising campaign on August 29, 2025, at a Super Mario-themed event held at the Aiken County Family YMCA in Graniteville, South Carolina. The fundraising goal for this year is set at $2,001,463, which will support over 40 critical need programs within the community.
Chris Bryant, the campaign chair, made a memorable appearance dressed as Mario during the kickoff. Heather Raynack, the board chair for the United Way, complemented the theme by dressing as Princess Peach. The event’s vibrant atmosphere was enriched by the participation of eighteen of the United Way’s twenty-nine partner agencies, which showcased their efforts at an agency fair held concurrently.
During the campaign, the funds raised will target pressing local issues such as food security, lack of affordable housing, educational resources for children, medication assistance for the elderly, hunger, financial insecurity, and mental health concerns. The president of the United Way emphasized the campaign’s goal to inspire donors to “level up” their giving, reflecting the event’s playful theme.
The previous year’s campaign in 2024 raised $2,415,081. Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner acknowledged the impactful role of the United Way in the community during his remarks. The kickoff event featured a luncheon provided by Aiken Regional Medical Centers and included volunteers who assisted in showcasing the campaign’s fundraising goal of over two million dollars.
Several distinguished figures from the community attended the launch, including South Carolina Representative Charlie Hartz and Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh. The kickoff took place under partly cloudy weather conditions, with a high temperature of 86°F and a low of 63°F, accompanied by winds from the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph.
The annual campaign aims to foster collaborations with local nonprofits and strengthen community support, continuing the United Way’s mission to address critical needs effectively.
FAQ
What was the date of the United Way of Aiken County’s 2025-26 fundraising campaign kickoff?
The event was held on August 29, 2025.
Where was the kickoff event held?
The event took place at the Aiken County Family YMCA in Graniteville, South Carolina.
What was the theme of the kickoff event?
The theme for the kickoff was Super Mario.
Who served as the campaign chair for the kickoff event?
Chris Bryant served as the campaign chair, dressed as Mario for the event.
What was the fundraising goal for this year?
The fundraising goal for this year is set at $2,001,463.
How many programs does the campaign aim to fund?
The campaign aims to fund over 40 critical need programs in the community.
What local issues are being addressed by the campaign?
Local issues include a lack of affordable housing, hunger, financial insecurity, and mental health concerns.
What was raised in the previous year’s campaign?
The previous year’s campaign in 2024 raised $2,415,081.
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Key Features of United Way of Aiken County 2025-26 Campaign
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Kickoff Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Location | Aiken County Family YMCA, Graniteville, South Carolina |
| Theme | Super Mario |
| Campaign Chair | Chris Bryant |
| Fundraising Goal | $2,001,463 |
| Programs Funded | Over 40 critical need programs |
| Previous Year’s Fundraising Total | $2,415,081 |
| Local Issues Addressed | Affordable housing, hunger, financial insecurity, mental health concerns |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: United Way Kicks Off 2025-26 Fundraising Year
- Post and Courier: United Way of Aiken County 2025 Fundraising Effort
- Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home: Dora Shellhouse Obituary
- WRDW: Aiken County Bridgestone Plant Marks 25 Years of Operation
- Google Search: United Way Aiken County 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
