CRAIG — Craig residents cracked open their wallets and checkbooks Friday, Sept. 14, to show their support for a good cause as part of Moffat County United Way’s $15K Day.

The nonprofit organization’s kickoff to its 2019 campaign saw a strong start, as people turned out to provide funding in amounts both large and small.

United Way Director Annette Norton said businesses were providing more than $2,000 to get things rolling, while individuals were throwing in anywhere from $1 to $1,200, as United Way personnel and board members were set up in front of Yampa Valley Bank complete with food from KS Kreations.

The bank, itself, offered to match as much as $7,500 in first-day donations.

The goal to bring in $15,000 on the opening day was met and surpassed within a three-hour timeframe.

Norton said her first time organizing the campaign kickoff has been about creating positivity.

“It’s a good way to start with a bang and get a lot of information out to the community about what we do,” she said.

Resident Kathy Oldland dropped in $100 for the cause. She noted that, while United Way supports many good organizations, the one that is closest to her heart is the Humane Society of Moffat County.

“I’m all about the dogs,” she said.

United Way folks also took selfies with donors via a specialized wooden frame to commemorate the moment.

Kristen Vigil, United Way’s community impact coordinator, said the energy of the day made it especially memorable.

“It’s exciting to see how many people support us,” she said.

United Way provides funding for multiple nonprofits throughout Moffat County and will continue raising money during the coming weeks, including one-time donations and paycheck contributions though local businesses.

For more information, visit unitedwaymoffat.org.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com.