United Way of Greenville County and the Greenville Drive kicked off summer vacation Wednesday with a special “Slide Into Summer” night at Fluor Field.

Planned to coincide with the last day of school for students in Greenville County Schools, United Way used Wednesday’s game to spotlight the issue of “Summer Slide,” a term describing the decline in reading ability, other academic skills and health that can occur when school is out. United Way and its partners are focused on combating that regression through high quality summer programs.

The Greenville County Library System, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation department, Greenville County Schools, Prisma Health, New Horizons and Family Health Services, and the Salvation Army were among the United Way community partners on hand to provide information to game attendees on local programs available to combat Summer Slide.

The fun started before the game with activities for children on Field Street and continued throughout the game, including a first-pitch by long-time United Way volunteer David Sigmon, a backpack stuffing contest for United Way’s School Tools project, and performance from Tanglewood Middle School’s dance team between innings. United Way’s 2019 Campaign Chair Calvin Calhoun and Vice Chair Yobany Banks-McKay were the Drive’s honorary captains, while the choir from education partners Lead Academy performed the national anthem.

United Way Night at the Drive also included a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Palmetto Society—United Way’s special recognition group honoring donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to change lives in Greenville County.

“We are continually inspired by our Palmetto Society members’ generous spirit and willingness to roll up their sleeves and work together to make a difference in so many lives,” said United Way President and CEO Meghan Barp. “Thanks to their support, we are able to continue to be a strong and united force for change in Greenville County.”