United Way kicking off 2008 campaign with picnic

BROOKSVILLE — Visitors to Saturday's campaign kickoff event for the United Way of Hernando County need not worry about being too formal.

Bring your own blanket. And everything — food, games, music, balloons, face painting and a treasure hunt — will be free.

The agency's first Family Picnic will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hernando County Fairgrounds.

Last year, the campaign was launched with a $30-a-ticket dinner-dance. Other kickoffs have tended toward gala affairs.

This event aims to include more community residents, said executive director Kathy Jones.

"One of the reasons we decided to have a family picnic was because of the way the economy is, so all of the families from everywhere can attend," Jones said.

Current financial times were also taken into account when the board of directors set its campaign goal this year at $675,000. Last year's goal was $700,000, and the campaign finally tallied $730,000 in donations for 24 member agencies.

"This year we went a little lower because of the economy," Jones said. "I feel very confident we can meet that. When times are tough, people really tend to open their pockets a little wider for United Way. You're so thankful to live in a community that does that."

When family finances are strained, the human and social service agencies are in more demand, she noted, and a substantial amount of their funding depends on the United Way.

Each of the member agencies will staff booths at the picnic, providing literature about their offerings and how to tap services, with people on hand to answer questions and provide details. Among the agencies are the Arc Nature Coast, National Alliance for the Mentally Retarded, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nature Coast Community Health Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Dawn Center.

As for the afternoon's entertainment, count on Kenn E. as an Elvis impersonator.

"What would a family picnic be without Elvis?" Jones chuckled. Spider-Man will similarly beguile the younger set.

On display will be a Sheriff's Office helicopter and, tentatively, a fire engine.

Marching bands from Nature Coast Technical, Hernando, Springstead and Central high schools will perform.

Coastal Financial will sponsor a live remote broadcast by WJQB-FM 106.3 True Oldies.

Cheney Brothers of Ocala is donating hot dogs, chips and Pepsi drinks.

They are preparing for 1,000 visitors.

Beth Gray can be reached at graybethn@earthlink.net.