Monopoly-themed kick-off aims at $1.2 million goal
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Most people are familiar with the game Monopoly. It has sold more than 275 million copies in 113 countries, more than 46 languages, and with more variations than any other board game. This week, the United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties put its own twist on the legendary game as it unveiled its fundraising goal for 2026.
“Unitedopoly” was the theme of the event, which took place at Bel Air Events in Kokomo. More than 100 people showed up to support the charitable organization, and they were met with a host of familiar themes from the popular game, including a photo booth where participants could perform their best Rich Uncle Pennybags impressions before enjoying lunch and a wild competition.
United Way Executive Director Morgan Quinn welcomed those in attendance, explaining United Way’s history and purpose, as well as its unique connection to the Monopoly game.
“Every day across our community, families face challenges that can completely change the course of their lives,” said Quinn. “Food insecurity, financial hardships, housing instability, and unexpected emergencies are all realities that many of our neighbors are navigating each and every day. That’s why we bring people, businesses, and organizations together to create opportunity, stability, and hope throughout our community.
“United Way’s story began in 1887 in Denver, Colorado, when community leaders placed a simple box called the Community Chest outside a local base. They invited neighbors to contribute whatever they could to help meet the need. That idea became the foundation of the United Way, and it also inspired one of the most iconic parts of Monopoly: the Community Chest.
“Today, when you support United Way through a donation, a sponsorship, volunteerism, or even a workplace campaign, you continue that same tradition. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping make this work possible.”
Lexi Harris, United Way’s Campaign and Resource Development Coordinator, then took to the podium to explain the rules of the Unitedopoly competition. Four teams took part in the games: Community First Bank, Community Howard Regional Health, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, and Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union. The teams first competed in heats that included a physical challenge and a three-question trivia contest. The winners of each heat then went head-to-head in a final series of challenges.
In the first heat, Solidarity prevailed by being the first to unwrap a “mummy” covered in crepe streamers, picking up a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Community First stormed back in the trivia competition, however, to win the first heat.
There was a break in the action so that the recipients of United Way’s Community Investment grants could be recognized.
Alternatives, Inc., of Tipton received a grant to provide flexible financial assistance to victims of domestic and sexual abuse, along with trauma-informed training for Tipton County law enforcement.
The Boys and Girls Club of Tipton County received a grant to provide early childhood education for children ages three to six.
CASA of Howard County was awarded a grant to advocate for children who are involved in court proceedings.
The Tipton County Family Resource Center was granted funds to provide needed resources, such as food, hygiene supplies, diapers, housing, healthcare access, and employment assistance for families.
The Family Service Association of Howard County received funds from United Way to establish an evidence-based, home visitation program to support families with young children, along with parental guidance, developmental screenings, and connections to community resources.
Flowers Feed Folks received its first Community Investment Grant to purchase a “hoop house” which will extend the organization’s growing season as it provides fresh produce to individuals and pantries across the community.
Food Finders Food Bank was awarded a grant so that it can continue to provide free food to families in need in Howard County.
Hope Family Care Center was another first-time grant recipient, receiving funds to provide free medical, dental, and mental health services to uninsured, under-insured, and under-served individuals in Howard and Tipton counties.
The Kokomo Rescue Mission received a grant to furnish and equip a dedicated examination room in the organization’s new engagement center, providing free basic medical screenings and care to the community.
Once the grants were awarded, the second round of Unitedopoly resumed. In the second heat, the youth advisory council trounced Community Howard in a cup-stacking competition and then advanced with a winning effort in the trivia portion.
Before the final showdown commenced, United Way introduced it 2026 Annual Campaign chair, Michelle Martin. A long-time community advocate and former director of the Kokomo Event Center, Martin most recently served as a volunteer with United Way’s tax filing assistance program.
“It is a great honor to chair this year’s United Way campaign,” said Martin. “It was not hard to agree to chair it and be part of a community that continues to show up for one another year after year.
“Today’s event has been such a fun reminder of what compassion businesses, organizations, and communities have as they come together to make incredible things happen. I’m excited to help launch this year’s campaign and to continue building the momentum that we’ve started for the work that United Way is doing throughout Howard and Tipton counties.”
Martin was then joined by Quinn and Harris to announce United Way’s 2026 fundraising campaign goal. The nonprofit hopes to raise $1.2 million this year to continue providing services to the community.
Unitedopoly then resumed for its final round, which saw Community First Bank claim victory over the youth advisory council as they successfully ferried platters stacked with “money” across the hall at the Bel Air. The competition was close before fluttering bills scattered from the youth council’s platter, forcing a delay from which they could not recover.
Martin then returned to the podium to congratulate the winners and explain the situation the community faces and how United Way helps.
“More than one in four children in Howard County, and about one in five in Tipton County, don’t have reliable access to food,” said Quinn. Nearly four in 10 households in Howard County and nearly three in 10 in Tipton County are struggling to afford the basic necessities of everyday life, and all these numbers are going up.
“Veterans are searching for support, and neighbors are facing difficult situations with nowhere else to turn. That’s why this campaign matters. Every dollar raised by United Way helps create stability, opportunity, and hope right here in our community.
“In the early days of the United Way, neighbors would place donations into the Community Chest so that local families could receive help during difficult times. Today, we’re continuing that tradition and inviting community members to do the same.”
Martin referred to a “Community Chest” placed in front of the stage. She invited those in attendance to fill out pledge envelopes located at each table and to make the first donations for the 2026 campaign. Dozens of people walked to the stage and placed their contributions in the chest.
“When each of us gives what we can, together we can do something pretty incredible,” said Martin. “We can help with food. We can help families through moments when they don’t know where to turn. Whether your gift is large or small, your gift matters.”
To make a contribution to United Way, arrange a workplace campaign in support of the fundraising effort, or to volunteer to work for the campaign, visit howardandtiptonunitedway.org or call 765-457-4357.
See additional photos from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page.