Events
Check out our Annual Events!
United Way of Smith County hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, bringing our community together to make a lasting impact. From our Donor Leadership Dinner and annual Golf Tournament to the hands-on Serve United volunteer day and high-energy Pickleball Tournament, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while supporting our mission. See below for an overview of each event, and make plans to join us in making a difference!
Leadership Dinner
Each January at our Leadership Dinner, leadership givers, local company executives, nonprofit directors, and our local United Way leadership gather together to celebrate the collective impact that we make here in Smith County. Each year, we honor an individual who has embodied what it means to serve our local neighbors and community. This year, we had the privilege of honoring Mr. Herb C. Buie. For decades, Mr. Buie’s leadership and philanthropic efforts have impacted countless lives in Tyler and Smith County. Stay tuned for details about the 2026 Leadership Dinner!
Golf Tournament
Each March, the United Way of Smith County Golf Tournament brings together sponsors, players, and volunteers for a day of friendly competition in support of our mission. This annual event is more than just a round of golf—it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in our community. Proceeds from the tournament help fund vital programs in education, healthcare, crisis support, and financial stability through our network of nonprofit partners. Join us on the course next spring and be part of the impact!
Serve United
Serve United is United Way of Smith County’s signature volunteer event, bringing individuals and teams together for hands-on service projects that make a real impact. Formerly known as the Day of Caring, Serve United offers opportunities for volunteers in the community to roll up their sleeves to and share their time and talents. Click below to learn more about how you or your company can get involved!
Kickoff and Pickleball Tournament
Each year in early August, we celebrate the official start to United Way of Smith County’s annual fundraising cycle with a Campaign Kickoff and Pickleball Tournament! The event helps fund the nonprofit partners of United Way, which support the Tyler area community with access to services in Education, Health & Wellness, Financial Stability, and Crisis Intervention. Your participation helps our neighbors in need!
Annual Events for United Way and Partner Agencies
Note most events have sponsorships available and will require registration, ticket purchase, or invitation to attend. Click on the event link to learn more information.
January
East Texas Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
January 31, 2026
PAVE East Texas Donor Luncheon
January 29, 2025
https://www.paveetx.org/donor-luncheon
United Way of Smith County
Verna K Hall Leadership Dinner
January 30th, 2025
https://uwsmithcounty.org/leadershipdinner/
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
Month-Long Souper Bowl Drive
February
Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Mah Jongg for Memory
https://alzalliance.org/events/
Camp V Bets for Vets
Feb 1, 2025
https://www.campvtyler.org/events/
Champions for Children Art of Chocolate
Feb 8, 2025
https://championsforchildren.org/events-and-trainings/art-of-chocolate/
East Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls
Feb 27, 2025
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/emptybowls/event/emptybowlstyler2025/
East Texas Symphony Orchestra – The Spirit of America
Feb 28, 2026
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
Mardis Gras – Fat Tuesday
March
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
Month-Long Diaper Drive
www.pathhelps.org/diaper-drive/
East Texas Crisis Center Annual Car Show (with car raffle)
First Weekend
United Way of Smith County Golf Tournament
March 30, 2026
https://uwsmithcounty.org/golf/
East Texas Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
April
United Way of Smith County Serve United: Volunteer Event
April 17 & 18, 2026
https://uwsmithcounty.org/serve-united/
Bethesda Health Clinic Runway for Hope Fashion Show
April 14, 2026
https://bethesdaclinic.org/runway-for-hope-2026/
Children’s Advocacy Center
Women of Courage Luncheon – April 1, 2026
Battle of the Badges – April 25, 2026
https://cacsmithcounty.org/events/
CASA for Kids of East Texas Caught Doing Good
Last Friday of the Month
https://casaforkidsofet.org/event/caught-doing-good-for-kids/
May
Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Caregiver’s Conference
https://alzalliance.org/events/
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
Month-Long Fan Drive
www.pathhelps.org/summer-fan-drive/
Next Step Community Solutions
Battle of the Brains Trivia Contest
East Texas Crisis Center Reloading Hope: Skeet Tournament
July
Boy Scouts of America: East Texas Council Popcorn Kickoff
Mid July
Camp V Heartbreak Hill 5k Run
Returning in 2026!
August
United Way of Smith County Pickleball Tournament
https://uwsmithcounty.org/pickleball/
East Texas Symphony Orchestra – Symphony in the Park
Last Saturday
PAVE East Texas Spelling Bee
The Fostering Collective
A Seat at the Table Banquet
https://thefosteringcollective.org/events/
September
Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Butterfly Hope Luncheon
https://alzalliance.org/events/
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
Bling-O
Smiles FORE Kids Golf Tournament
https://cacsmithcounty.org/events/
Bethesda Health Clinic
Birthday Bash
Hit the Greens Golf Tournament
https://bethesdaclinic.org/news-events/
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
PATH Week
https://www.pathhelps.org/get-involved/
Smith County 4-H State Fair Livestock Show
October
The Arc of Greater East Texas Boo Bash
https://www.arcofsmithcounty.org/
Camp V Rose City Air Fest
https://www.rosecityairfest.com/
CASA for Kids of East Texas – Back to the 90s: Annual Festival
https://casaforkidsofet.org/event/back-to-the-90s-fall-fundraiser/
East Texas Crisis Center Voices of Hope Annual Luncheon
Mentoring Alliance Annual Luncheon
The Salvation Army – Tee off for Tots Golf Tournament
November
United Way of Smith County – Tyler Gives United
Tuesday after Thanksgiving
Camp V -Homeless Standdown
Veteran’s Day Weekend
https://www.campvtyler.org/events/
PATH (People Attempting To Help)
Coats for Kids
https://www.pathhelps.org/coats-for-kids/
East Texas Symphony Orchestra – The Splendor of the Seasons
Champions for Children of East Texas
Breakfast for Champions
https://championsforchildren.org/events-and-trainings/trainings/
Children’s Advocacy Center Holiday of Hope
https://cacsmithcounty.org/events/
Boy Scouts of America: East Texas Council Golf Tournament
December
If you wish to do a clothing or toy drive for an agency, please contact the agency FIRST and find out what they need. Most agencies will need any items no later than mid-late November to ensure enough time to process the items and get them to those in need in time for Christmas.
Children’s Advocacy Center
November 24- Dec 5
https://cacsmithcounty.org/events/
Mentoring Alliance Christmas Bash
PATH (People Attempting to Help)
Month-Long Blanket Drive
www.pathhelps.org/blanket-drive/