A sure thing

United Way of the CSRA has put all its chips in its new Caring Club program. Last week, the non-profit organization held its kick-off luncheon, "A Las Vegas Escape," at Augusta Technical College's Waynesboro campus with nearly 150 community leaders in attendance. Among the guests were, from left, guest speaker Faye Hargrove, WRDW's Meredith Anderson, LaVerne Gold of the United Way and Deena Sams of Burke Community Partnership (BCP). Rather than setting a monetary goal for the year, as in year's past, organizers challenged everyone to join their new Caring Club. For $12 a month, Caring Club members not only help dozens of local non-profit programs, they receive a card entitling them to discounts at more than 40 businesses and restaurants, including French Market Grille, Fort Discovery, TBonz, Simply Daisies, Sonic and Waynesboro Emporium. United Way supports quite a few programs either located in Burke County or locally affiliated. Among them are BCP, American Red Cross, Rape Crises & Sexual Assault Services, Boys Scouts of America and Girls Scouts. To become a Caring Club member, call 706-724-5544 or go to www.uwcsra.org.