United Way of Martin County will hold its annual Champions of the Community event on March 27, celebrating volunteers, donors, companies and agencies whose contributions promote the common good in our area.

The event – including dinner and an awards ceremony -- will be held at Hutchinson Island Marriott. The cost is $50 per person, and festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The dinner and awards ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. [See last year's honorees.]

The night will be capped off in dramatic fashion at 8:30 p.m. with the prize give-away in the United Way Step Up Challenge. Massey-Yardley Chrysler Dodge has donated a 2008 Dodge Avenger for the sweepstakes, and a lucky entrant will win the car that night. The deadline for entering is March 7, and forms are available at www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.

Another key moment during the Champions of the Community event occurs when the campaign chair announces whether United Way has achieved its campaign goal, which for this year is $2.3 million.

“We are about 80 percent toward that goal, and time is closing fast to achieve – or better yet – exceed the goal,” said Patty Winterburn, this year’s campaign chairwoman and the Indian River Community College provost for Martin County. “With only a few weeks remaining in our annual campaign, increasing the amount of donations is more important than ever for local children, families and senior citizens.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Champions of the Community event, which draws nearly 200 community leaders each year.

United Way of Martin County would like to thank these companies who have joined the team of event sponsors as of Feb. 21: Bank of America, Florida Power & Light, Forest Hills Memorial Park Funeral Home, Pratt & Whitney and Publix Super Markets Charities.

For more information, please contact Lucy Corley or Wendie Berardi at United Way of Martin County, (772) 283-4800.