A Message from CEO Christy Smith
In the spirit of transparency, connection, and community leadership, I am continuing my monthly commitment to speak directly with you about the work happening across Clallam County, the partnerships moving us forward, and the challenges and opportunities we are navigating together. Each month, I will highlight initiatives that reflect our mission, introduce collaborations that are making a difference, and share hopeful steps forward for our community. My goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the impact you help make possible.
United Way - Putting the FUN in Fundraising
At United Way, we are always looking for ways to make asking for a donation more fun. We know not everyone can write a big check, but we also know that’s not the only way to make a difference.
Dunkin' for Dollas
Our upcoming Dunkin’ for Dollars is a great example. The Bucket Dunk is a countywide effort where everyone is invited to nominate and vote for their peers to be dunked, raising awareness and support for local lifelong literacy. Each $5 donation earns one nomination or vote, and the funds raised in the 2026 dunk will benefit United Way literacy efforts in our county, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A $5 donation might not seem like much, but when added to the contributions of others in our community, it can actually change the course of lives at your workplace, your child’s school, your neighborhood—even within your own family.
Fore the Kids
But that’s just one example. This November, “Friends with Beverages” will be donating proceeds from their golf tournament to support youth programs with United Way. Any event you want to host with your friends can be a fun-draiser, from your annual holiday party to an afternoon tea, we have ways to help you make a big difference with your mini fundraiser.
Get more ideas for fundraisers:
Turn fundraising into a party
Our signature Galentine’s Day event is a particularly good example of a party with a cause. Last year, we encouraged everyone to wear pajamas and included dancing with a DJ and a “dessert dash,” where tables competed through donations to choose desserts, helping us raise a record $62,561. And just wait until you see what we have planned for 2027.
We lean hard into themes and playful details
Our Celebrate United kickoff brunch features comfort breakfast foods, mimosas and, of course, some “eggs-cellent” puns. The 2026 version added literary-themed silent auction baskets—including horror book collections, reading accessories and a Dolly Parton-themed package—which helped generate more than $5,000 through the centerpiece auction alone.
We make local businesses part of the experience
“Dine United” lets restaurants create special menu items, themed events, community nights or customized promotions, with proceeds benefiting United Way. Wouldn’t you want to come to a “United We Rise & Shine” breakfast or buy a “Soup-er Hero” lunch if it was for a good cause?
Learn more about Dine United:
We raise our hands
Giving back is fun, so we volunteer to help out at other organizations’ events as a team-building activity for our staff and board. We are looking forward to taking over the Central Bar at the Dungeness Crab Festival for the second year. Volunteers get a free United Way T-shirt, and the tips will benefit UWCC, along with an additional Crab Fest donation.
We connect fun to a tangible local purpose
Entertainment isn’t the whole pitch. We constantly connect the event back to local people and issues—youth opportunity, healthy communities and financial security—to help serve more than 46,000 people and families in Clallam County.
The formula is simple, really. Take something people already enjoy, add friends and community, make sure to give it a theme, create a little playful competition or novelty, keep the cause visible, and give people an easy way to contribute. It lets us reach people who might not respond to a traditional “please donate” appeal. And it gives businesses, volunteers, donors and attendees multiple ways to participate. And it’s always better to have fun while you are making an impact.
Get Involved
Check out our website for more details about upcoming FUN-draisers today!