This year’s United Fund of Surry campaign is ready to start up in a big way with three upcoming events already in the works.

With a goal of $510,000 this year, up from last year’s goal of $500,000, those heading up the United Fund of Surry campaign are looking for new ways to raise money.

“It’s up a little bit from last year. But the needs of the clients of our agencies really continues to rise,” said Sharon Johnson with United Fund of Surry. “It is a daunting task.”

The theme for this year’s campaign is Heart At Work, an idea Johnson says embodies what United Fund is all about.

“A lot of heart has to go into the work United Fund does. We have a lot of volunteers who make what we do possible,” she said.

Fuel Up for United Fund

The initial fundraising event will be a first for the county as United Fund of Surry teams up with Yadkin Valley United Fund and Neighbors store for Fuel Up for United Fund. During the week of July 26 - 31, three cents from every gallon of gas sold at one of the 15 Neighbors locations in the county will go to the United Fund for that service area.

This project is the brainchild of Nick Antonecchia who serves on the board for United Fund of Surry and participated in a similar fundraiser with United Way in Wisconsin.

“People won’t have to worry about making a donation. They just have to do what they normally do — get gas,” said Johnson.

Greater Granite Open

On July 29, the campaign also will sponsor the sixth annual Greater Granite Open at Cross Creek Country Club. It is hosted by Mount Airy Oil Company and Southern Community Bank once again.

“It kind of sets the pace for the campaign,” said Johnson of the golf tournament.

Last year, the tournament raised $15,000 with an average of 28 four-person teams competing. There is still room for more teams and sponsors this year. To register a four-person team is $500. Tee off will begin at 9 a.m. with lunch and an awards ceremony to follow. Some of the agencies served by United Fund of Surry will be at the tournament as part of a meet-and-greet. Some local politicians are serving as sponsors for this year’s event and will be at the golf tournament for the meet-and-greet. To register as a team or a sponsor, contact the United Fund of Surry office at 789-3087.

Downtown Rocks ‘n Runs

The official kick-off for the United Fund of Surry campaign will take place at Blackmon Amphitheater Aug. 21 with the third annual Downtown Rocks.

This year’s event will look a little different than last year’s. There will still be hamburgers and hot dogs as well as soft drinks, beer and wine, but instead of having a battle of the bands, the event will feature a concert by The Klassix.

Angie Cagle, co-chair of this year’s campaign who is working along with Chair Walt Broom, came up with the idea of having a run in conjunction with the event. There will be a 5K and a children’s fun run to start the event, which has been named Downtown Rocks ‘n Runs.

“The focus is the run and the concert this year,” said Johnson.