PLYMOUTH  — The United Way of Marshall County and Francis Ellert, 2009 campaign chair, invite the community to attend a free “Campaign Volunteer and Donor Recognition Event” Thursday, Feb. 4 at Christos’ Banquet Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to celebrate reaching the goal of $375,000 raised for community needs.

The recognition event gives the United Way an opportunity to thank the many volunteers for hours contributed toward achieving the 2009 campaign goal. In addition, it provides a chance to thank the many businesses and individuals who donated.
Campaign cabinet members will receive recognition and outstanding contributors to the campaign will receive awards at the Community Thank You event. They include #1 Giver (overall largest amount of money contributed), Student Giving, School Faculty/Staff Giving (education awards are based on per capita giving), and Bremen Large Industry and Small Industry (also based on 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 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The live auction will kick off at 7 p.m. after the recognition program at 6:30 p.m. A 15’ flat panel TV, overnight stays at area and destination hotels, $100 money tree from Centier Bank, a Maxinkuckee cruise on Culver Academies’ Ledbetter ship, gift certificates to local retail businesses, and sports memorabilia are among the auction items. The community is welcome to contribute an item for the auction — just call the United Way to make arrangements. Hors de ‘oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
At the conclusion of the evening, Francis Ellert 2009 campaign chair, will hand the reins over to Melissa Owen, 2010 campaign chair.
To attend, RSVP the United Way office at 574-936-3366 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by Feb. 1. For more information contact Jennifer S. Maddox, Executive Director, United Way of Marshall County at 574-936-3366 or visit its Web site www.marshallcountyuw.org/.