Annual Fundraising Campaign

Every fall season, Rowan County United Way depends greatly on volunteers to conduct their campaign. A Campaign Chair is selected each year to lead the campaign while other United Way champions serve on the Campaign Cabinet to oversee campaigns across different sectors of the community. Funds raised during the campaign help support 21 local programs, which address mental health, substance use, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and basic needs.

Participate in the 2026 Campaign!

Contact Audrey Eudy, Philanthropy Director, at aeudy@rcunitedway.org or call 704-633-1802 to learn more.

Rowan County United Way is inviting the community to come together as it launches its 2026 Annual Campaign with a renewed vision, a season of community celebrations, and two respected leaders serving as Campaign Co-Chairs.

Longtime community advocates Mike Miller and Dale Peeler have been named Campaign Co-Chairs for this year’s campaign, leading an effort centered around the theme, “We Are Rowan. We Are United Way.” This year’s campaign celebrates what makes Rowan County special: neighbors helping neighbors, businesses investing in their communities, volunteers giving their time, and people coming together to improve lives across the county.

The campaign will officially begin with the United Way Campaign Rally on Friday, September 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Sarum Brewing Company. Unlike traditional campaign kickoffs, this year’s event has been reimagined as a community celebration open to everyone.

Guests can enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, family-friendlyactivities, and opportunities to learn how United Way and its partner agencies are making an impact throughout Rowan County. Whether someone has supported United Way for decades or is learning about its mission for the first time, the Campaign Rally is designed to bring the community together in celebration of service and generosity.

“Rowan County has always been a place where people show up for one another,” said Campaign Co-Chair Mike Miller. “This campaign is about celebrating what makes Rowan County special and reminding everyone that when we work together, we can accomplish incredible things.”

Campaign Co-Chair Dale Peeler brings a deeply personal connection to the mission. After more than 40 years of serving as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Faith Fire Department, Dale has witnessed the impact of substance use and mental health crises on families across Rowan County, while also experiencing that loss within his own family. “I’ve seen firsthand that addiction and mental health challenges do not discriminate,” said Peeler. “Supporting United Way is one way we can come together as a community to offer hope, help, and healing.”

This year’s theme, “We Are Rowan. We Are United Way,” reflects the understanding that every corner of Rowan County is connected. From Salisbury, Kannapolis, Cleveland, Faith, China Grove, Spencer, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, Landis, East Spencer, Enochville, Gold Hill, Mount Ulla, Woodleaf, and every neighborhood and community in between, United Way’s work reaches thousands of local residents through partnerships that address education, financial stability, health, mental wellness, crisis response, and basic needs.

The Campaign Rally marks the beginning of a full season of events designed to engage donors, celebrate community impact, and inspire new supporters. Following the September 18 Campaign Rally, Rowan County United Way will host a series of Community Impact Updates throughout the fall at local automotive dealerships across Rowan County. These events not only showcase the impact of donor support but also build excitement for the return of the Rowan County United Way Auto Giveaway. Every donor who contributes $78 or more during the Annual Campaign will be entered into a drawing for $25,000 toward the purchase of a brand-new vehicle. Each qualifying gift earns one entry, so the more you give, the more chances you have to win. The campaign season also includes Into the Light on October 17 at Catawba College, an annual suicide prevention and mental health awareness event that honors loved ones, reduces stigma, and connects families with local resources, before concluding with the Campaign Celebration on December 14 at 4:00 p.m.

Every gift to Rowan County United Way helps address some of our community’s greatest needs. Campaign contributions support local initiatives focused on behavioral health, healthy lifestyles, housing stability, layoff assistance, disaster relief, crisis assistance, and strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve Rowan County.

For 70 years, Rowan County United Way has united individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders around a simple idea: when people work together, they can accomplish more than any one organization can alone.

Community members can learn more about Rowan County United Way, explore opportunities to give or volunteer, and ask their employers about workplace giving or matching gift programs to increase the impact of their generosity.

Campaign Resources

Check out our one-stop shop for everything you need to conduct a successful United Way campaign at your company! Simply click the button below to access helpful tips, marketing materials, and more. For questions and guidance, please contact Audrey Eudy, Philanthropy Director, at 704-633-1802.

Auto Giveaway

One donor could receive $25,000 to put towards the purchase of a brand-new vehicle by donating to Rowan County United Way! The more donors give, the more chances they get! Learn more by clicking the button below.

State Employees Campaign

State Employees Combined Campaign Code: 1442
Combined Federal Campaign Code: 78682