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The Yadkin Valley United Fund will be kicking off its 2012 campaign at the first Elkin High School home football game.

This year’s goal has been raised to $140,000 from last year’s $135,000. Fundraising will start Friday, Aug. 31, and continue until November 9.

“Our local kick off will be at the football game to create more local excitement,” said incoming United Fund president Frank Beals. “We had a successful campaign last year and are expecting good things this year.”

Along with the financial goal, Beals is hoping to increase the United Fund’s relationship with the community.

“I want our board to know our agencies better and increase the relationships with them,” he said.

The Yadkin Valley United Fund serves 28 different agencies in portions of Wilkes, Yadkin and Surry counties.

“We do an application process in the spring and look at the people in our community and determine based on a needs basis how much money we give to agencies each year,” said executive director, Missy Loving. “Some of our agencies include The Ark, Echo Ministries, Tri-C, Grace Clinic and the Boy and Girl Scouts.”

Before the official kick off at Friday’s football game, Yadkin Valley Fund dine out nights will start Thursday, Aug. 30.

“Restaurants have agreed to give a portion of their proceeds from dinner that evening,” Loving said. “It is an easy way for people to give.”

Dine out dates and participating restaurants are:

• Thursday, Aug. 30: Mazzini’s

• Thursday, Sept. 6: Speedy Chef

• Thursday, Sept. 13: Twenty-One and Main

• Thursday, Sept. 20: Dewey’s Thai

• Thursday, Sept. 27: Generations

• Tuesday, Oct. 2: Harry’s Place for lunch

• Thursday, Oct. 11: Dodge City Steakhouse

• Thursday, Oct. 18: Speedy Chef

• Thursday. Oct 25: Bella Vino

At Friday night’s kick-off with the Buckin’ Elks, the Yadkin Valley United Fund will be giving away cups with peanuts and flying discs. The local Interact Club will be walking around collecting donations. The board will then be introduced at half time and explain how they serve the community, Loving said.

A second kick off will be on Sept. 7, at the East Wilkes game against Starmount in order to reach the whole community that the United Fund serves.

“Working with the United Fund has really opened my eyes to the community I live in and how tirelessly people work to give back and take care of the people in the community,” Loving said. “I appreciate everyone taking a moment to help touch these 28 different agencies.”

To donate to the Yadkin Valley United Fund, visit www.yadkinvalleyunitedfund.org.

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com