Several locals volunteered to help with this year's United Way Wing Ding which is held every year as a kick-off event for the organization. The volunteers cooked over 1,500 pounds of tasty wings. [Click to enlarge]

The Kennett United Way fundraising committee kicked off its United Way campaign this past weekend with its much anticipated "Wing Ding."

Yvonne Randolph, United Way chairperson, said this year's Wing Ding was a great kickoff for the United Way.

The United Way is a non-profit organization that raises money through donations and fundraising events. United Way then distributes the money to help approximately 13 other non-profit organizations.

"We raise money for area food banks and women's shelters," Randolph said.

"The Wing Ding is a fun event where a group of volunteers from various organizations get together and volunteer their time to help us get off to a good start," Randolph said.

Two locations were designated for the Wing Ding. Wings could be purchased at the Delta Fair Office, located behind the Kennett American Legion or at the First United Methodist Church, where hungry drivers could stop and purchase some tasty wings which were sold by the dozen.

This year the United Way received help from local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops who spent many hours selling advance tickets for some hot off the grill chicken wings.

Other volunteers consisted of numerous employees from Family Counseling Center of Kennett as well as some much needed help and hard work provided by the Dunklin Day Activity Center.

"There were so many people who donated their time and hard work to help make this kick-off a success," Randolph said.

Randolph said the United Way committee wants to extend a special thanks to the men who volunteered their time to cook up over 1,500 pounds of chicken wings for Saturday's event.

They are: Gerald Boyd, C.P. Bridges, J.C. Counts, Freddie Greenway, Wimp Mount, and Charlie Skaggs.

"Those guys put in a lot of hours of hard work and we appreciate it," Randolph said.