United Way plans Awards Ceremony and Volunteer Fair Honors to be presented during National Volunteer Week For Immediate Release March 28, 2006

A new program to honor its prized volunteers and investors will highlight National Volunteer Week activities for the United Way of Union County. An informal, after-hours social mixer will be the setting when the local non-profit organization presents its annual Campaign Awards on Tuesday April 25. In addition, representatives from all of United Way's Member Agencies will be present with information for those wishing to get involved as a volunteer. The mixer will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Services Center (940 London Avenue in Marysville). All residents are invited to come and go as their schedule allows. A celebration of United Way's top corporate donors and volunteers will occur at 6:00 p.m. Complimentary light food and beverages will be provided by Heflin's Caterers. A raffle will be taking place and door prizes given away. Admission to the event is free. Eight local businesses will be receiving United Way's Gold Campaign Award -- the highest award bestowed upon local businesses for their financial contributions to United Way of Union County. 12 businesses will be receiving a Campaign Chair Award for their outstanding participation in United Way's most recent fundraising efforts. Four businesses will be receiving a Friend of the United Way Award for their partnerships with the organization. "United Way stands at the crossroads of business and philanthropy," said Dave Bezusko, United Way's Campaign & PR Director. "More than 200 area workplaces chose to make an impact in our community through United Way this past year and this is our chance to say thanks for entrusting us with your charitable dollars." To date, United Way has collected $703,588 in pledges for 2005-06, with final projections totaling $713,000 that will benefit 24 Member Agencies in four Impact Areas as well as its own programming in the community. The event is being held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week to capitalize on the heightened awareness of volunteerism and the natural inquiries that many people have at this time of year about getting involved in the community. "The Volunteer Fair portion of the event will provide a 'one-stop shop' for those who want to find out the kinds of volunteer opportunities that are available in our community," Bezusko said. "With 24 Agencies that provide a myriad of services to all segments of the population, there's bound to be an opportunity that meets your interests and your schedule-whether it's a one-time project or an on-going commitment." For more information about United Way's Campaign Awards and Volunteer Fair, please call (937) 644-8381.