By Jil Schult

Staff Writer

OTSEGO COUNTY — Approximately 200 people gathered at the Pavilion on Court in downtown Gaylord Tuesday for the Otsego County United Way kickoff celebration.

According to Tammie Rich, Otsego County United Way executive director, the celebration is a way to bring the community together to learn about the organizations United Way helps fund.

“People learn about the organizations and how they impact the community,” Rich said, “and how United Way is the bond, the glue that brings them all together.”

The annual event offered children’s games, including an event where children get a ticket stamped for each agency table visited. When their ticket is full, they received a free ice cream cone from Alpine Chocolat Haus, as well as entered into a drawing for a family prize package valued at more than $200.

Back this year, “duct tape” man was a big hit as the community purchased duct tape by the foot to tape Bruce Brown to the side of a U-Haul van.

Live music was provided by Gaylord’s Steve Wright, Carmen James and Frank Hadas. Children enjoyed a Spiderman blow-up bouncer, kid’s games on the courthouse lawn with prizes, face painting, hot dogs, chips and pop.

“The whole thing is about letting the community know what we do and that we’re gearing for the new 2008-09 campaign,” said Rich. “This is the time for employee campaigns.”

According to Rich, the community can donate to United Way one time, through billing or payroll deductions. To make a donation, call 732-8929.

Contact Jil Schult at 748-4518 or jil@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

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