PORT TOWNSEND — United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County begins its 2006 fundraising campaign this year with a bash — a real community party.

“This is a party with no admission fee,” said Lizanne Coker, United Good Neighbors campaign manager.

“It is a chance to come out and meet your neighbors. UGN wants to give everyone a chance to see where their donations go and to hear how they impact this county and its people.”

The agency has set a fund-raising goal of $295,000 this year. Brochures will be mailed in September.

Sunday’s kick-off party takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jefferson County Memorial Field, Washington Street at Madison in downtown Port Townsend.

Three local bands will perform but the real reason behind the event is to provide information, said Coker.

“Last year, I must have answered 200 questions regarding the programs UGN supports. It just seemed reasonable to provide the community a chance to ask their own questions, on a personal level.”

Funds variety of programs

United Good Neighbors provides funds for more than 30 programs in more than 20 separate agencies.

Each program must prove its ability to meet a health or human service need by completing a certification process and an application for funds.

“Priority is given to those services that are part of the community safety net that will provide for those who do not have other support,” said Bob Peden, United Good Neighbors executive director.

One in four county residents used UGN supported programs last year, said Peden.

United Good Neighbors supports such programs through donations to the county’s food banks, Meals on Wheels program and emergency shelters.

Last year, these programs served thousands in Jefferson County.

* All five food banks served more than 7,000 residents.

* Nutrition programs delivered 8,853 meals.

* Emergency shelter programs provided 6,613 bed nights last year.

United Good Neighbors also supports programs that address children’s needs through medical support, early intervention or after-school programs.

Other programs target the disabled or those with low incomes.

“These programs need community support to continue their work and UGN provides a way for the community to do this,” said Coker.

Expect to see United Good Neighbors’ annual brochure this fall in the mail, said Coker.

To save expenses, this year’s brochure will be mailed in September without an envelope as a red, white and blue flier.

Party details

Sunday’s music will begin at 2 o’clock with the Dwyer Family Band.

Moving to Port Townsend from New York last year, the Dwyers believe deeply in community involvement and family bonds, said Coker.

When ask to perform, the Dwyers took less than a minute to respond, she said.

Bill Dwyer said United Good Neighbors “is exactly what we’re about, what we believe in. Its about family and community.”

The Dwyer family will be followed by Aaron Vallat’s Thursday Night Drummers.

Vallat is known locally as a supporter of many causes, especially those that help children through the use of music.

Closing the show will be the Jonathan Stratman Band.

Jonathan Stratman and his wife Billie Stratman are longtime United Good Neighbors supporters, as well as, the videographers who produce the agency’s annual video.

“It’s about making a difference right here in the county,” said Stratman.

“We like that money or services we contribute help protect and sustain people right here in Jefferson County. We get to see the difference our contributions make.”

For more information about United Good Neighbors contact Peden or Coker at 360-385-3739 or lizannecoker@msn.com.