TEXARKANA -- The United Way of Greater Texarkana is planning a nice excursion to Nice and the rest of the French Riviera for its 2023 fundraising trip.
To build enthusiasm and support for the trans-Atlantic journey, the United Way will hold an informational meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Texarkana Convention Center on Cowhorn Creek Road. Ian Scott of Aventura World travel company will make a presentation on the planned destinations, including the French region of Provence and Milan, Italy.
The trip, planned for Sept. 14-22, is part of the agency's 2022-23 campaign -- which has a goal of raising $900,000. The money is used to assist more than 25 agencies in Miller, Little River and Lafayette counties in Arkansas and Bowie, Titus, Marion, Cass, Morris and Red River counties in Texas.
"This will be the 12th year I have spearheaded a fundraising trip abroad. A small portion of each paid traveler's deposit goes to the United Way's annual campaign," said Mark L. Bledsoe, the United Way's CEO and president.
Bledsoe said the annual trip is a good way to the feed the soul while helping the community.
"Last year we had 35 travel to the Dalmatian Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia). It turned out to be an extremely scenic adventure, more so than anyone truly expected," he said. "Many say they feel more comfortable traveling abroad in our groups and keep up with one another throughout the year on social media. We also have travelers from around the U.S. who meet up with their extended families on these trips."
In the past 11 years, the United Way-backed trip has visited 24 countries on four continents, including China, New Zealand, Egypt and Peru.
The cost for the 2023 trip is $3,799 per person for double-accommodations if reserved with a $100 deposit by March 24. The price increases to $3,899 after March 24. There is a $799 surcharge for single-occupancy accommodations.
Full cost of the trip must be received by May 7.
Registration is available online at aventuraworld.com/booking. Use code XDELHK.
For information, contact Bledsoe at 903-794-3105 or visit the United Way's office at 214 Spruce St.
