LULING — The United Way of St. Charles campaign officially kicks off with the 2017 Battle for the Paddle Gumbo & Jambalaya Cook-off Oct. 5. The popular event, relocating to the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center in Luling, is open to the public.

The funds raised through the 2017-18 United Way of St. Charles campaign will provide support to 30 Partner Agencies and more than 100 programs directly impacting St. Charles Parish residents.

Leading the way in the River Parishes are new Co-chairs Brett Woltjen, general manager of Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex; Johnny Chavez Jr., site director of Dow St. Charles Operations; Jodie Doucet, general manager of Beaed of Louisiana; and Angela Golden, prevention services coordinator for Child Advocacy Services.

United Way of St. Charles conducts a fundraising campaign every fall to develop resources that help support agencies and programs providing direct services in St. Charles Parish. The United Way Campaign is held during the months of August through December.

Chavez said Dow had a record breaking year last year for overall contributions to the United Way, “yet we are not satisfied, we want to do even better in 2017. In the role of Co-chair I hope to be able to share a lot of our best practices with other companies such that our community benefits even more.”

Doucet said St. Charles Parish contributors, partner agencies and participants are most generous and appreciative.

Golden said she feels a great responsibility to represent the amazing work United Way has routinely delivered in St. Charles Parish.

“I have seen firsthand the impact of their programs and use of contributions to benefit the community,” Golden said. “Programs like Get Fit United, events like the annual Youth Rally and more continue to show how dedicated UWSC is to building and empowering people and families in St. Charles Parish. It is such a privilege to be a part of this campaign season as a representative of Child Advocacy Services and United Way of St. Charles. It is my hope to advocate for recipients and ensure donors are confident in the transparent use of their donations.”

United Way of St. Charles is a nonprofit working to create lasting changes in St. Charles Parish by funding agencies and developing programs that target education, income and health.

To hold a campaign at your business, call 985-331-9063 or visit uwaysc.org.