The United Way of the Pennyrile has kicked off its 2026-27 campaign and announced its goal to raise $725,000 in support of 15 agencies in Christian, Todd and Trigg counties.
Amy and Derrick Watson, co-chairs for the campaign, announced the goal during a kick-off breakfast Thursday at the Silo Event Center. Pacesetter giving as of Thursday was at $330,471, which puts the effort at about 46% of the goal.
At the end of the 2025-26 campaign, officials said the effort received $800,292 in donations and pledges.
This year’s theme is “Making Headlines, Making a Difference — You Are the Story.” The Watsons are both recently retired from high-profile careers. Amy was a morning anchor for NewsChannel 5, the CBS affiliate in Nashville, and Derrick retired last year as president and CEO of Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority.
Money raised during the annual United Way campaign provides financial support to Aaron McNeil House, Armed Services YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Hopkinsville, Christian County Literacy Council, Christian County Rescue Team, Christian County Youth Service Advisory Board, Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile, Hopkinsville Family YMCA, Kentucky Legal Aid, Pennyrile Allied Community Services Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Pennyrile Allied Community Services Home Delivered Meals, Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center, Salvation Army of Hopkinsville, Sanctuary Inc. and Trace Industries.
Contributions to the campaign can be made online.
