Fundraising leaders and a big fundraising event are a couple of big things going on right now at the United Way of Greater Texarkana.Their new Campaign Co-chairs for the 2016 Campaign are veteran board members from last year's leading United Way Campaign; Cooper Tire & Rubber Company,  Technical Team Manager, Christine Sidwell  and Terry W. Sloan, USW 752L Executive Board member. This UWGT duo  is eager to get started on a successful campaign.

They have already been very active promoting several Pacesetter campaigns; Mayo Furniture and Target have started off the 2016 Campaign with record setting corporate campaigns! The NAIFA (National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors) group also recently completed their annual golf tourney which outperformed last year's event by $3,500! "It's great to see the leadership at Cooper Tire take on the challenge of this year's campaign!

They have some fresh ideas to help jump start this year's drive" said Mark Bledsoe, President/CEO of United Way of Greater Texarkana....Starting with the Big Bass Tourney at Lake Wright Patman on July 11th!

The 2015 Big Bass Fishing Tournament, presented by Cooper Tire, has been moved to Lake Wright Patman – Sportman’s Cove. This tournament will benefit the United Way of Greater Texarkana.This year, $6,800 in guaranteed prize money will be awarded. First place takes home $2000, second place $1,200, third place $800, fourth place $600, and fifth place, $400. Three hundred dollars will be awarded for the fish closest to three pounds without going over (first fish wins), sponsored by Sullivan Timber.

There will also be hourly paybacks for first through third place in the tournament. Entry fee is $70 per person by July 9, 5 p.m ($10 Late fee day of Tourney). Make checks payable to United Way of Greater Texarkana. Registration forms may be picked up and turned in to Baits-n-Blades, 3302 Richmond Road.

You may also contact Lane Peeples at 903-276-6783 or email to baitnblades@aol.com.

Special thanks to Fouke High School for providing donated drinks and food for this tournament.

This year's United Way Campaign Kick-off will be held at the Cooper Tire, United Steel Workers Union Hall on September 25th at noon with a "Boots and B-B-Q theme!"

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