With clear skies and nice weather Wednesday afternoon, Cummins Seymour Engine Plant employees and the community enjoyed a day of comradery while also giving back.
“This event gives us a chance to come together as a company for a great cause,” said Kayla Mullins, a Cummins SEP indirect materials associate. “We are just able to enjoy each other’s company, and this community event brings everyone in the mix.”
The Cummins annual North America United Way campaign began Sept. 1 and will continue to raise funds for United Way through Nov. 1.
“Our donations from Cummins employees and the Cummins Foundation match program raise approximately $5 million each year,” Mullins said. “Over the last five years alone, our employees and the Cummins Foundation match have contributed $26 million to supporting local communities in the U.S. and Canada.”
The day’s festivities included a cornhole tournament for employees to enter, a dunk tank where money and nominations drove who was chosen and a car show that both employees and the public were able to participate in.
SEP employees also were able to participate in other festivities, such as a silent auction, a bake sale, a mum sale, a hoodie and T-shirt sale and snow cones from Kona Ice.
After $500 in sales at Kona Ice, 20% of the sales went toward Jackson County United Way.
By the end of the fundraising event, a total of $10,000 was raised by Cummins for Jackson County United Way.
Michelle Kleber, development director for the organization, said the day felt great, and she was thankful for the turnout.
“We are so grateful for their partnership, and we couldn’t do this without them,” she said. “This year feels different. People are out and engaging with each other, so it just feels more cohesive.”
The organization also had a table set up with information about its programs and a poster board filled with memories of past projects that made an impact.
“The employees learn about how they can get involved and want to invest in their community,” said Emily Engelking, engagement director for the organization. “They can see the direct impact that they can have, and this fundraising event just creates a sense of community.”
Engelking and Kleber agreed there was an energy in the air this time around since the previous fundraising events.
“I started with the organization in 2019, but I didn’t really get to experience the fundraising event pre-COVID, and then it was virtual for two years,” Engelking said. “However, this year, I think people are excited and more engaged.”
Across the parking lot, groups of SEP employees gathered for a chance to dunk a leader who was nominated.
Mark Blackmore, machining engineer manager, said the dunk tank was a refreshing experience that he likely won’t forget.
“It’s a good day to be with good company and giving back to the community,” he said.
Mars Rogers and Brittany Henderson enjoyed some time walking about the car show talking with co-workers.
“This is a great opportunity for employees to come out and support a great cause,” Rogers said.
Henderson said earlier, she took a video of all of the activities during the fundraising event and received positive reactions from her friends.
“They were like, ‘Man! That looks like fun. I want to work there,’” she said. “This also gives people the opportunity to see what Untied Way does for the community.”
Jackson County United Way’s mission is to assess needs, secure resources and strategically invest those resources to create measurable, lasting change in the areas of education, health and financial stability.