At the conclusion of Thursday's United Way Kickoff Luncheon, agency representatives and recipients trailed through the room waving to donors on their way to the stage. They were brought in as a reminder of why the organization and its volunteers do the work and raise the funds they do.
The area United Way campaign is a time for heroics.
"There is a hero inside all of us," United Way of Central Missouri President Ann Bax told supporters during a luncheon Thursday to kick off the annual campaign.
Using the theme "Be a Hero!" this year's campaign has a goal of $1.65 million to support 25 partner agencies and programs.