For the first time, United Way kicked off our annual campaign on Oct. 1 without the aid of a large fundraising event. In past years, we would host the Annual Campaign Kickoff event as a rally to start the fundraising season.

To kick off the 2020 United Way of Northwest Louisiana campaign season, the United From Home Virtual Fun Run & 5K taking place on June 27 encourages runners and walkers to participate in this virtual race with a purpose. Register to run or walk your individualized 5K course, join a corporate team or form a group of your own.

As you are no doubt aware, the world is currently experiencing a crisis of almost unprecedented proportions. Local, state and federal governments, as well as local nonprofits and church groups, are doing everything they can to alleviate the immediate needs created by COVID-19.

Start planning your perfect parade route, because the parade will take place on the weekends of June 22-23 and 29- 30, and the homes will be open for selfguided tours from 1-6 p.m. daily. The two-weekend event gives attendees the opportunity to view custom built and speculative homes in Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto parishes.

For most people, summertime is spent outside in the backyard, at the beach, grilling or at the playground with the kids. While most people enjoy spending their summer days relaxing outside and soaking up the sun, those outdoor activities could come at a price.

More than 124,000 people in Northwest Louisiana benefi tted in 2016. For every dollar invested, United Way is able to provide $4.74 in return (ROI). More than 70 programs were funded in 2017 providing services to nearly 200,000 people.

The inaugural class of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Executive Academy graduated this summer and provided nonprofi t leaders a fi ve-month, in-depth, leadership development series.