A packed ballroom was the backdrop of the 2009-2010 United Way of Manatee County Campaign Kickoff Sept. 15 at the Renaissance of 9th.
The annual event was held in conjunction with the Bradenton Kiwanis Club.
There were so many guests at the luncheon that several who didn’t RSVP in time were turned away at the door.
Those who got in before the tables filled enjoyed a buffet and casual conversation.
United Way President Jerry Koontz said he was pleased with the great turnout, which included faces from the Red Cross, the Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc., and many more.
This year’s campaign theme is “Live United.” To coordinate with the theme, table centerpieces featured photo cutouts of United Way board members wearing T-shirts with this year’s campaign slogan.
John Annis, the 2009 campaign chair, pumped up the crowd with surprise entertainment provided by Bradenton Christian School’s drum line, which marched into the ballroom and performed a few numbers.
Afterward, Annis got down to business, announcing a campaign goal of $2.6 million and how that will help the needs of the community.
He would like to go over and beyond that goal, though, with a hope of raising an ambitious $3 million.
If that happens, United Way staff member Tara Donovan promised to get a tattoo of the organization’s logo.
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