08.16.06
UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE CELEBRATING LAUNCH OF 2006 CAMPAIGN

United Way of Greater Knoxville will officially celebrate their 2006 campaign kickoff on Tuesday, August 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre.

Jan Wade, General Manager of WATE 6 and United Way chairman of the board, and Bruce Hartmann, president and publisher of the Knoxville News Sentinel and 2006 campaign chairman, will kick off the organization's fall fund-raising campaign, a tradition since United Way first began in Knoxville in 1922. For the next 12 weeks, the organization will work to raise $12.5 million to fund critical health and human service programs for thousands of people in need in the Knoxville area.

The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Bistro. At 7 p.m., companies that have already completed their campaigns, as well as volunteers and partner agencies, will be recognized, and United Way will announce current campaign results. From 7:30-8 p.m., the audience will watch United Way's regional television simulcast. Joined by members of the UT band, John Ward, former Vol sportscaster, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The simulcast, a collaborative effort made possible by the generosity of the local production community and media, will highlighting the stories of individuals and families helped by United Way as it is viewed by thousands in surrounding counties on all local stations including: WATE 6, WBIR-TV, WVLT Volunteer TV, WTNZ Fox 43, WMAK Television, WBXX East Tennessee's WB, WSJK/WKOP, Charter and Comcast Cable, and on both Knox County Schools and UT's channels.

"Knoxville is a great place to live and raise a family for most of us," Hartmann said. "For others who are struggling with issues from health care to housing to even having enough food for their children, things are not so great. I believe the people of Knoxville care about those people and will step up like they have so many times before. We, as a team, will raise the funds necessary to make a real impact on these people's lives."

WHO: United Way of Greater Knoxville
WHAT: 2006 Campaign Kickoff and Regional Television Simulcast
WHEN: Tuesday, August 29, 2006

United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to improving lives by building a better community. In partnership with 50 agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United Way tackles issues that matter most. By working together, we provide a safety net of services addressing Knoxville's most basic needs while working toward lasting change.

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