Join Our Events
Upcoming Events
United Way of Central Ohio is creating lasting change in our community. One way we do this is by providing you with opportunities to learn, connect and give back with others who are passionate about central Ohio. Will you join us?
Past Events
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Nov 19 5-7 p.m.
United Rivals Tailgate: Feeding Futures in the End Zone
Bring your kids, friends and co-workers to help us kick off an epic battle against Michigan AND rally together to pack 500 snack bags for Feed the Kids Columbus to distribute to students over holiday break.
We hope you’ll join us for this fun, competitive event for a great cause on November 19. Register now through Eventbrite!
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Oct 26 9-12 p.m.
United Way of Union County: Monster Dash 5k
Join United Way of Union County for a fun, morning with local friends, family and neighbors. The Monster Dash 5k is a fun, family friendly Halloween-themed event held at Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Dublin, Ohio. In addition to the 5k race, we also will have an event for Little Gremlins (aged 6 and under). This is a free event and is open to all young children who are not able to take part in the main event.
We hope you’ll join us for this fun outdoor event on October 26. Register now through RunSignUp.com!
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Oct 17 6-9 p.m.
United Way of Union County: Bourbon and Books
United Way of Union County is thrilled to announce its inaugural fundraiser event supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program! Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, more children and families are benefitting from early literacy.
We hope you’ll join us for an amazing night at Retreat 21 on October 17. Purchase your ticket now through Eventbrite!
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Aug 06 -
Stuff the Backpack 2024
Mark your calendar to join United Way of Central Ohio, Columbus Crew and NBC4 on Tuesday, August 6 to Stuff the Backpack for students in central Ohio! With help from hundreds of volunteers, we will work together at Lower.com Field to send more students to school feeling confident, prepared and ready to learn.
Thanks to generous donations from corporate partners and other supporters, we will have equitable school supplies for each backpack. If you or your company would like to contribute to our supplies, you can make a donation through our campaign partner, Parichute. $10 provides one backpack for a local student and $270 provides backpacks for an entire classroom.
If you’d like to help us stuff backpacks in person, you can register for a volunteer shift through our event partner Besa.
Many thanks to our partners and sponsors of this event:
NBC4 | Columbus Crew | EASE Logistics | Parichute | Condado Tacos | Big Lots | Grange Insurance | Medical Mutual | Hexion | Bailey Cavalieri | JPMorgan Chase | The Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation | Osteopathic Heritage Foundations | Porter Wright | White Castle | Smith -
Apr 18 4-6 p.m.
BYOB(ooks) 2024
We’re UNITING for fun, beverages and to ensure ALL children in our community have the caring support and resources they need to achieve student success!
Please join us for a special book drive on Thursday, April 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ohio Brewing Company at 421 E 2nd Avenue. This communitywide event is an opportunity to collect new or gently used books for local children (birth to age 8) to support the Success By Third Grade movement. Register now and make a difference for hundreds of local children!
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Oct 11 11-12:30 p.m.
The Big Table: Together We Make Change
The Big Table is a communitywide effort that includes thousands of people representing different backgrounds and perspectives participating in hundreds of conversations to discuss how we create a more kind and equitable future for everyone in central Ohio. United Way is excited to invite you to join us for an exciting exchange of insightful and collaborative ideas as we gather together to discuss several important issues impacting our community.
Attendees can choose from two 90-minute sessions, beginning at 11 a.m. with lunch provided:
- Needs of Immigrant Children in our Community hosted by Kate Curry-Da-Souza and Alexia Santiago, Network Directors, Success by Third Grade
- Central Ohio Housing Needs hosted by Michael Wilkos, Senior VP, Community Impact
Registration is required and space is limited. Click the link to register now through Eventbrite.
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Sep 14 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Centennial Ice Cream Social
What better way to celebrate 100 years of impact than with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams? Join us on Thursday, Sept. 14 starting at 11:30 a.m. on the Columbus Commons as we say thank you to all our donors, volunteers and advocates in central Ohio! We’ll have free Jeni’s ice cream, lawn games and lots of fun. Don’t miss it!
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Apr 06 5:30-7:30 p.m.
BYOB(ooks)
We’re UNITING for fun, beverages and to ensure ALL children in our community have the caring support and resources they need to achieve student success!
As part of United Way’s Centennial, please join us for a special BYOBs (Bring Your Own Books) book drive on Thursday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Railhouse in East Market at 212 Kelton Avenue. This communitywide event is an opportunity to collect new or gently used books for local children (ages 5-10 years old) to support the Success By Third Grade movement. Register now and make a difference for hundreds of local children!
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Jan 24 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Moving the Needle on Equity through Partnerships
Join United Way and a panel of community leaders for a special Learn United focused on the importance of adding diverse, inclusive leadership to nonprofit boards and partnering to support nonprofits led by people of color. The conversation will take a deep dive into the critical role corporations can play by helping to identify impactful, diverse leaders and joining United Way to invest in nonprofits that can move the needle on building a more equitable central Ohio.
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Oct 18 12-1 p.m.
Success by Third Grade: A Communitywide Movement to Ensure All Children Achieve Student Success
The ability to read by third grade plays a significant role in a person’s success later in life. Join us to hear and discuss this growing communitywide commitment to ensure all students in Franklin County are on a pathway to success by the end of third grade. Success by Third Grade is mobilizing the collective power of government, corporations, school districts, nonprofits and individuals to focus on supporting children in kindergarten through third grade and strengthening their families. Join this special Learn United session to discover how you can be an advocate and champion for this critically important effort.
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Sep 20 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Strengthening Family Resources with Tax Time
Join us for a roundtable discussion on the importance and excitement of Tax Time! United Way’s Tax Time Coalition is a network of providers in nonprofit, business, and government organizations that work to provide free tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income households and connect them to financial empowerment resources. This conversation will focus on the significant impact Tax Time has had on the community since its launch in 2007, volunteer experiences, and how you can get involved!
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Aug 23 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Supporting Social Enterprises
Are you curious to learn about different ways to give back? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from nonprofit leaders how you can support businesses that directly support the basic needs of our community. Social enterprises provide excellent food, services and experiences, PLUS they support the missions of talented organizations dedicated to paying the profits forward.
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Jul 12 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Together, We Can Support Central Ohio’s Youth
The past few years have been difficult for everyone, but the impact of the pandemic has been particularly hard on our children and youth. Stay-at-home orders, virtual learning, social distancing and disruptions to camps, recreation centers and other places where youth meet have made it difficult to develop friendships and experience social and emotional learning. Join us to discuss where and how you can be part of the solution as several United Way funded partners discuss their work and opportunities available to support youth to help them reach their full potential.
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Jun 16 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Understanding the Impact of House Bill 616
House Bill 616 has the potential to impact teachers, businesses, and our communities if it is passed. Join us to hear from a panel of community partners and central Ohio leaders as we discuss the bill and its implications, answer your questions and explain how you can make your voice heard on this important issue.
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May 24 12-1 p.m.
Women United: The Disparate Impact of COVID on Our Community and What Comes Next
The disparate impact of the tumultuous past two years and COVID-19 on central Ohio women and minority communities have been significant. Join us for a cross-sector conversation with female leaders in our community to discuss the current climate for women in the workforce and the ongoing pursuit of economic and social equality.
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May 12 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: What Makes Legislative Districts Fair?
A large majority of Ohioans want fair legislative districts. But we have a very difficult time reaching a consensus on what “fair” means. Compact geographic districts where communities remain intact? Competitive districts where as many as possible could be won by either party? Districts that combine different communities or pieces of communities to bring together people of differing views from different locations? Districts that are majority-minority to assure minority representation in the legislature?
Join us and our panel of speakers for what promises to be a fascinating and lively discussion about the difficult value questions that need to be answered to draw “fair” districts in a state where the geographic spread of Republicans and the concentration of Democrats make line drawing so contentious. -
Apr 21 12-1:30 p.m.
Current State of Volunteerism in Central Ohio
April is National Volunteer Month and the perfect time to honor the important role of volunteers in our community. In fact, many central Ohio organizations can’t function without volunteers. Join us and a panel of community partners and leaders to discuss the increased need for volunteers and how volunteerism has changed to meet the demands of a virtual environment. You’ll learn about the critical need for volunteers and the technology updates that have made it easier than ever to get involved.
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Mar 22 12-1 p.m.
Rewriting a Zoning Code for a Modern City Understanding the Impact on Affordable Housing and Neighborhoods
It is obvious to the casual observer that our region is growing. In fact, 90% of the population growth in Ohio in the last decade occurred in Metro Columbus. Within the City of Columbus, the 2020 Census revealed it was the largest decade of growth in the city’s history, adding almost 120,000 more residents. The city’s current zoning was written in the 1950s and no longer aligns with how the city is growing. An effort is underway to rewrite the zoning code, and it will have far-reaching impacts on both existing neighborhoods and how the city grows for decades to come. Join a panel of city officials and nonprofit leaders to discuss how a new zoning code will change our city and impact affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and development, and accommodate future growth.
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Mar 10 12-1 p.m.
The Benefits of a Multigenerational Workforce
For the first time in history, there are five generations in the workforce! Join us for a discussion with a panel of community partners and central Ohio leaders representing various generations (Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial, Generation Z), as they share their experiences in the multigenerational workforce. The conversation will focus on the similarities of generations, rather than the generational stereotypes that are commonly portrayed in social media.
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Nov 18 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Housing Issues and Homelessness
In Columbus, a person would have to make $19.83 an hour to afford a two-bedroom home at the fair market rate of $1,031 per month. But the average renter in our community falls short of that number, making $16.99 per hour. Affordable housing is in short supply in central Ohio, but United Way and other organizations are committed to ensuring families have access to safe, affordable housing. Join our discussion with local nonprofit partners about housing trends and issues, what is being done to solve this complex problem and how we can all be part of the solution.
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Oct 28 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Improving Our High School Graduation Rates
Did you know that high school graduates earn a national average of $9,204 more annually compared to high school dropouts, and they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior or require social services? Join us to learn about the importance of increasing high school graduation rates, current trends, and the work that is being done by local nonprofit partners and United Way to ensure every student graduates and reaches their full potential.
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Oct 14 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Food Insecurity in Central Ohio
According to Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 153,000 families in Franklin County have visited a food pantry since March 2021. Of those families, 35% did so for the first time. Join us to discuss and learn from our local nonprofit partners about the trends, program investment, and hard work that is being done by organizations and United Way to ensure equitable access to nutritious food throughout our community.
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Oct 12 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: The Importance of Kindergarten Readiness
In Franklin County, only 40% of children enter kindergarten with the academic, social and emotional skills necessary to be ready to learn. School readiness gives children a strong foundation for future success in school and in life. Join us for this important discussion about the importance of quality early education and the supportive programs that ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.
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Oct 07 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Census 2020 – Record Growth and Change for Franklin County
The recently released U.S. Census revealed fascinating facts about the population and shifting demographics of the City of Columbus and Franklin County. Join us to learn where, how and why the Columbus metro area is outperforming the state, region and nation with robust population growth. We’ll discuss what the changes mean for our community, and how we can continue to work together to create a stronger, more equitable central Ohio for everyone who lives here.
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Sep 30 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Hispanic Heritage Month
According to the latest 2020 Census, Columbus’ population is now 905,748, up by 15% since 2010. Much of the growth is attributed to racially and ethnically diverse groups, including Hispanic and Latinx. Join us to learn about and celebrate the profound impact and cultural significance of the Hispanic and Latinx community from a diverse panel of speakers during Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Jul 22 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: What the State Budget Means for Children and Education
Join us to learn from local advocates and policy experts as they break down and discuss the effect the state budget will have on children and education in Ohio. While the budget will be signed by the time the session takes place, advocates will offer their reflections and provide strategies for how to stay engaged and continue to advocate for our community’s children and families.
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Jun 17 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is considered the “longest running African American holiday” and has been called “America’s second Independence Day.” However, activists continue to fight for its observance in many states. Please join us as we challenge our understanding of the holiday, explore the context of its history and discuss ways to honor its legacy.
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Jun 14 12-1 p.m.
614 Day | Can You Name a Single Columbus Historical Fact? You Can’t? You’re Not Alone.
Most residents of central Ohio come from outside the metro area, across the country or around the world, meaning they are not well-versed on the city’s history. What do the Short North arches mean? What was the first tax approved in Columbus? Why did the state capital move three times before landing in Columbus? Full of importance, the city has a unique history with many great contributions to regional and national history. Established in 1812 as the first city in the United States solely created to be a state capital, Columbus was not an early success. Prosperity in the city is not evenly felt. Some neighborhoods struggle while others thrive. This session provides fun, quirky, interesting and historically noteworthy facts about Ohio’s capital and largest city, and how the past shapes our current day.
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Jun 03 12-1 p.m.
Learn United: Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Community
Columbus runs on Pride! Since 1981, Columbus has been celebrating its LGBTQ+ community and is known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. However, there are still struggles and hurdles experienced by our LGBTQ+ neighbors. Join a panel of local leaders sharing their own pride and discussing the needs of our LGBTQ+ community and how we can best support them. Moderator: Solonas Karoulla, Relationship Manager at United Way of Central Ohio.