If you’re looking for some real laughter by some real people who will talk about the real results of the United Way of Freeborn County, you will want to make sure you attend at least one of our United Way Kick Off celebrations at 7 a.

Monday, September 10, 2001

If you’re looking for some real laughter by some real people who will talk about the real results of the United Way of Freeborn County, you will want to make sure you attend at least one of our United Way Kick Off celebrations at 7 a.m., noon, or 5 p.m. at the Community Theatre in downtown Albert Lea, Tuesday, Sept.11.

Whether you can come to all of them, or at least one of them, this year’s United Way Campaign Team invites you there to hear the humorous, yet educational performance by our own Nancy Hockenberry and Paul Cooper, entitled &uot;United Way … United What?&uot; This community-wide annual event not only kicks off this year’s campaign, it reinforces how you can make your giving count. How can you make a sound investment in Freeborn County? You can, by helping us reach our goal of $500,000.

Money raised through the United Way helps provide funding for 16 agencies in Freeborn County, provides hope for anyone enduring difficult times and also provides services to enhance the quality of life for us who live and work here. Business owners, try to image your employees without day care availability? Try to image life after a fire without the services of the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army?

Contributions of just $1 per week or $52 per year provide one chemical-free activity for an entire youth group at the Freeborn County Chemical Dependency Center, while $10 per week can provide one month of after school care for eight kindergarteners until parents return home from work.

And for the first time, for individuals who pledge $15 over last year, a book will be provided in their name. Books will then be given to kindergarteners through second grade children in Freeborn County, thanks to Alliant Energy and US Bank, this year’s sponsors. We are excited about this opportunity to provide the gift that keeps on giving, thanks to Marge Hamersly, author, and Marv Wangen, illustrator of the children’s book.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a kick off celebration without the &uot;Week of Caring.&uot; Thanks to many business owners, employees will be out at our agencies painting, reading, driving and picnicking. We are a community that cares for &uot;Real People, Real Lives and Real Results,&uot; this year’s campaign theme. Come join us Tuesday!

Pam Bishop is the United Way of Freeborn County’s 2001 Campaign Chairwoman.