Thanks to all who helped make the 2008 Union County Christmas Parade a success. We could not do it without the experience of Mike Lee, volunteer coordinator, and all the hard working volunteers who make things go smoothly, the Monroe Police Dept. and Monroe Fire Dept. for their professionalism and man hours, Jessica Ball with the City of Monroe, Jinny Mauney with Downtown Monroe, Inc., Carolina Communications, The Enquirer Journal, Time Warner Cable, and WIXE radio. A special thanks to the Shops at Nottingham and Keith Steare for hosting the Parade Princess Crowning on November 6th, in coordination with their Holiday Open House.  Appreciation to Bojangles, CiCi’s, Dominoes, and Pizza Hut for their generous donations. 

Respectfully and with appreciation,

Kim Wolfe, Christmas Parade Coordinator 

and the Union Smart Start Staff 

As the advertisement once said, “We’ve come a long way, baby.” Union Smart Start celebrated it’s 10th anniversary in April, recognizing just how much the non-profit organization has achieved. 

In 1998, we were known as Union County Partnership for Children, a name that remained until 2007, whe the board adopted the name Union Smart Start.  The mission, however,hasn’t changed in the 10 years - developing and funding programs that enhance the health, education, and quality of life for children. 

What has changed, however, is the amount of investment into Smart Start programs.  In fiscal year 1999-2000, our first full year, our budget was $1.8 million. By last year, our yearly budget had almost doubled that - $3.3 million.  Although the funding increase has been very dramatic, Union County’s current Smart Start need has been assessed at just under $9 million.   

The Union County Christmas Parade is set for November 23rd, 2008 @ 2:00pm. Entry form and guidelines are posted on the Union Smart Start. www.unionsmartstart.org   Deadline for entries is Oct. 20th. Presented by Union Smart Start and Sponsored by TheEnquirer Journal. If you would like more information please contact: Kim Wolfe 704-226-1407 or kwolfe@unionsmartstart.org