LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s the intersection of adventure and generosity. On Aug. 24, the United Way of Central Kentucky is hosting its “Skydive for Change” fundraiser. Volunteers will jump out of a plane to support Operation Good Neighbor, an effort to raise money for essential home repairs.
Aaron Pennington, Hardin County Justice of the Peace and Realtor, says his neighbor, Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith, invited him to support the program.
“Being in the real estate business, I have a love for homes, renovating them, and helping people with their homes. So this is literally another element that I can add, another way to help the community in that regard,” Pennington said.
Smith says he has jumped once before and is excited to do it again for a good cause.
“COVID has been around for a few years now. I think COVID has brought a lot of things to light in our community. And there are a lot of people who haven’t fully recovered from it economically and financially and are struggling with some things. This is an easy way to help,” Smith said.
Brianne Smith, director of community engagement at United Way of Central Kentucky, says this is a unique opportunity to invest in the community and its neighbors. The program is accepting applications from people who need urgent repairs to their home and are neither financially nor physically able to make those repairs.
“When we talk about critical repairs, we mean repairs like ramps leading into homes or patio repairs. We have a woman whose bathroom floor is in disrepair and she’s literally afraid to walk on it, even though it’s the only bathroom in her home. So these are really, really critical repairs that impact daily life,” Smith explained.
Skydive Kentucky will feature 32 participants jumping from 12,000 feet. Each jumper pledges to raise $1,500, which will go directly to Operation Good Neighbor. Both Smith and Pennington say every dollar will have a positive impact on their neighbors.
“I know there are a lot of people in our community with great potential. There’s just one stumbling block in their way. If we can remove that stumbling block, they’ll go for it,” Smith said.
“So when you have the opportunity and you’re fortunate enough to contribute and help those less fortunate every chance you get, it really changes people’s lives,” Pennington said.
The goal is to raise $50,000 through Skydive for Change. Skydive Kentucky is hosting Skydive for Change on August 24th and is still looking for participants willing to skydive at the event and raise money in the process.
Registration for the event is possible online.
