FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Day® to launch United Way Campaign

Sidewalk art, family activities set for October 14, 2007

Chillicothe, OH (October 2, 2007) United Way of Ross County is inviting families, friends and neighbors to join the kickoff event for this year’s annual fundraising campaign.

Again this year, a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will highlight “Community Day” events on Sunday, October 14, in Yoctangee Park near the Water Street entrance. Individuals and teams are invited to participate. Artists – amateur and professional – of all ages are welcome. Each entry will receive a free box of Crayola sidewalk chalk; some participants may prefer to bring their own chalk. The registration fee is $5 per sidewalk square (5-foot by 5-foot); registration opens at 11 a.m. Judging by the Chillicothe Art League begins at 4:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded at 5 p.m. A winner will be chosen in each of eight categories. A special prize will be awarded for the sidewalk art best depicting “What Matters,” the United Way theme.

“We were thrilled with the response last year to the Sidewalk Art Contest and look forward to an even bigger turnout this year,” says Liz Corzine, event coordinator and member of the Public Relations Committee. “Whether it’s a family outing, a company, class or club project, or just folks coming to view this outdoor artwork, we think participants and spectators will enjoy a good time.”

Corzine says “Community Day” is expanding with more activities this year. Other family fun events, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., include pumpkin painting for all ages, the Petland Pet Fair, and activities, displays and refreshment sales hosted by various United Way Partner Agencies. Also, the “40 & 8” Fish Stand will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry forms (Adobe PDF) for the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest are available at the United Way of Ross County office, 53 East Second Street, or can be faxed or e-mailed upon request, by calling 773-3280. Advance registration is encouraged, because chalk supplies are limited. Entries will be accepted at the event, until chalk supplies are depleted.

United Way of Ross County believes the best way to help the most people is to focus on the causes of our most serious problems and find solutions that will create positive, lasting changes - right here where we live. Raising awareness and funds, we improve lives and strengthen our community by supporting programs provided by local agency partners:

• Altar
• American Red Cross, First Capital District Chapter
• Assistance House
• Bainbridge Senior Citizens
• Boy Scouts, Simon Kenton Council
• Carver Community Center
• Child Protection Center
• Frankfort Senior Citizens
• Girl Scouts, Seal of Ohio Council
• Goodwill Industries
• Emergency Homeless Shelter
• Interagency Child Care Center
• Youth Crime Watch
• Reinstorm Therapeutic Riding Center
• Ross County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Salvation Army
• South Central Ohio Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• YMCA of Ross County