An American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union during a tense period of the Cold War. Not too far away, hundreds of U.S. military advisors had entered South Vietnam, setting the stage for a bloody war to come. And in another kind of conflict, one sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter just up the road in Greensboro threw a national spotlight on the struggle for civil rights.

Just as we do today, our nation was facing its own turmoil in 1960, when a group of local leaders had an idea to ease suffering throughout Lee County. Looking at the growing needs all around, they stepped forward with a bold idea: Why not create one united outreach to help neighbors overcome poverty, poor education and other obstacles to a more successful life — and a more vibrant community.

The United Way of Lee County was born. Back then, it was called the United Fund, but the organization established way back then remains a vital part of the community today.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Way and a lot has changed in our world since then. The fall of the Soviet Union has eased nuclear tensions and the civil rights movement changed hearts and minds. Still, people everywhere face difficult circumstances, which is why the United Way has remained a vital part of the community.

Back in its first year, the United Way of Lee County raised more than twice its inaugural campaign goal of $21,145. As more businesses have become involved in the effort, that campaign goal has grown several times over. The result: United Way partner agencies are doing great things in our community.

Last year alone, using contributions from the United Way and other sources, the Christians United Outreach Center distributed nearly 500,000 pounds of food. The Helping Hand Clinic provided 14,000 prescription medications to their clients. The Boys and Girls Clubs served more than 1,000 local youth.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In all, the United Way of Lee County supports more than two dozen local agencies helping neighbors find food, housing, medical care, short-term financial assistance and all sorts of other assistance. Every dollar contributed in Lee County stays in Lee County, just as it has been since the old United Fund was launched five decades ago.

This year’s milestone will be celebrated on Aug. 5 with a special event in Depot Park to kick off the United Way of Lee County’s Golden Anniversary Campaign. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a “Business After Hours” reception sponsored by First Bank and offered in partnership with the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce.

The celebration continues well into the evening with a free outdoor concert featuring the band RN5P, which drew a huge crowd last year with its popular show featuring beach music and classic rock. The family-oriented event begins at 7 p.m. and is part of the Function at the Junction summer concert series sponsored by Downtown Sanford Inc.

Events that evening are as much a statement of community support as they are the beginning of an important fundraising campaign. All of the organizations participating in the kickoff celebration work with the United Way regularly to improve civic life. From its founding in Troy, First Bank has remained a hometown-oriented operation involved in the communities where it does business, Downtown Sanford has joined forces with the United Way in various projects and RN5P is comprised of United Way supporters who offered to open this year’s campaign.

Everyone knows the challenges we’re all facing today with a struggling economy and conflicts still lingering around the world. But what we’ve learned throughout the last 50 years is that when our community joins together — when people LIVE UNITED — everyone enjoys a better life.

So circle Aug. 5 on your calendar now and plan to attend the 50th anniversary celebration. There’s no doubt you’ll have a great time and perhaps you’ll even be inspired to help improve our own small piece of the world.