ACU is partnering with United Way of Abilene to offer volunteers for the first Winter Lightfest.

Jordan Jones, associate director of financial aid and counseling, has been selected to be ACU’s loan executive for the 2019-20 school year. Jones, originally from Dallas, has been at ACU since last August. One of Jones’s duties is to assist in fundraising efforts.

“My goal is to get ACU, along with other businesses in the community, and organize a fundraising campaign,’’ Jones said. “United Way is essentially an organization that supports nonprofits here in Abilene.”

United Way looks into local Abilene nonprofits to ensure they are legitimate. United Way then takes the funds from the events like Winter Lightfest and allocates it to these nonprofits. After giving them money, United Way works with nonprofits to make a budget for the year.

The Winter Lightfest is a walking light show with local vendors to celebrate the holiday season. The Lightfest will last from Nov. 28 to Dec. 29, between Maple Street and Oldham Lane. The ticket cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for high school students and under.

“United Way doesn’t have a big office,” Jones says. “So with events like these they rely on volunteers. I think being a Christian you should have a heart to serve and this is a great way to give back to not only a great organization, but also to the community.”

Jones said the Winter Lightfest is a perfect way for both ACU staff and students to get involved and serve the community.

For more information on how to get involved with the Winter Lightfest contact Jordan Jones at wj16a@acu.edu or United Way-Abilene at (325) 677-1841.