02/01/08 The United Way of Marshall County and Brad Serf, 2007 campaign chair, invite the community to attend the annual Community Thank You celebration on Thursday, February 7 at Christos' Banquet Center from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Thank You event gives the United Way an opportunity to recognize the many volunteer hours contributed to meet their 2007 campaign goal. In addition, it provides a chance to thank the many businesses and individuals who donated. Mike Lintner, CEO of Marshall-Starke Development, a United Way Agency, will serve as master of ceremonies.

In the past, awards for top givers to the campaign were announced at the Annual Meeting in April. Instead, outstanding contributors will receive their awards at the Community Thank You. They include #1 Giver (overall largest amount of money contributed), Student Giving, and School Faculty/Staff Giving (education awards are based on per capita giving).
New award categories were established this year to recognize Bremen contributors. They will be awarded for large industry and small industry based on largest per capita giving.

Both silent and live auctions will take place to help achieve the goal. Silent auction items generously donated by local businesses and individuals can be viewed beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The live auction will kick off at 7 p.m. after the program and volunteer recognition at 6:30 p.m. This year's items include a 5-day/4-night Caribbean cruise donated by Oliver Ford, as well as a Maxinkuckee cruise on Culver Academies' Ledbetter. Sports memorabilia include signed footballs by Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. A framed IU photo collage signed by Bobby Knight will also be auctioned. Hors de 'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

At the conclusion of the evening, Brad Serf 2007 campaign chair, will hand the reins over to Ed Ruiz, 2008 campaign chair.
The United Way of Marshall County partners with 15 Member Agencies to provide services for the elderly, youth, those in need and health services. United Way also supports programs across the county separate from the Member Agencies.

For more information, contact Jennifer S. Maddox, Executive Director, United Way of Marshall County at (574) 935-3366.