MT presents 'Sing United'

"Don't Stop Believin'."

It's not just a Journey song.

It's a great Journey song, and it's always there when you need to get your "Glee" on.
But that's just a segue.

In honor of all things karaoke, your favorite Mountain Times is hosting a night of food, friendship and karaoke.

We're calling it "Sing United."

OK, let us explain.

We'll start by telling you about a vital High Country organization, one you'll want to squeal about: High Country United Way (highcountryunitedway.org).

"When you make a gift to the United Way, you are keeping the entire health and human service system healthy," director Linda Slade said.

High Country United Way (HCUW) serves 24 local organizations, organizations like Avery County Smart Start, the American Red Cross, Western Youth Network and Hospitality House, organizations that, in this economic climate, need all the help they can get.

Each year, HCUW sets a fundraising goal. This year's number? An ambitious $550,000.
"We are at about 25 percent of our goal," Slade said. "Of course, it's hard to tell where we are because it depends on when the gifts come in."

While it's slightly less than where they were last year, Slade's confident the community will step up and meet the March deadline. To kick-start the campaign, HCUW started an initiative called the Big Pig Kiss-off, where area business leaders (like our own publisher, Gene Fowler) try to get their groups to meet a fundraising goal. If they make the goal, the leader has to kiss a pig.

Whether Fowler gets to pucker up or not (and he will), it's a fundraiser The Mountain Times is excited about, and we want to help the community step up in a big way.

We've teamed up with Galileo's Bar and Cafe (1087 W. King St.) in Boone to offer a night of karaoke and fun! We'll be accepting donations on behalf of High Country United Way. A percentage of food proceeds will go directly to HCUW, as well. Expect prizes, friends, singing (lots of singing) and a few surprises. And remember, it's about giving back to a community that's got a lot of needs, especially in winter.

"I just hope the community will see the value of what we add to the community," Slade said.
So warm up your vocal chords and bring your wallets to Galileo's Friday. We'll kick off the fun with a social hour at 8 p.m.. See you there!