United Way Illinois Division's annual campaign kick-off celebration Sept. 2 in Sauget

(SWANSEA, IL) For the fourth straight year, the Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis will kick off its 2008 fund raising campaign with a Gateway Grizzlies baseball game.

The kickoff event is Tuesday, Sept. 2 at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill. Ticket prices are $9, with a portion of the proceeds going to United Way. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The event is open to the public. For more information about the baseball game, or to order tickets, call the Grizzlies office at (618) 337-3000 or go to http://www.gatewaygrizzlies.com/.

United Way will also have a 50/50 cash drawing and a "Hat Off The Head" where lucky bidders will have the chance to win a game-worn hat from Gateway Grizzlies players.

United Way's annual campaign, which runs September through early November, raises funds to benefit nearly 200 health and human service agencies in the bi-state region. The Illinois Division, which is based in Swansea, serves the counties of Clinton, St. Clair, Randolph and Monroe.

Tim Slater, president and CEO of New Horizons Computer Learning Center, is the 2008 campaign chair for the Illinois Division.

About United Way

The United Way funds health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our bi-state community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact Illinois Division office in Swansea at (618) 233-8441 or visit http://www.stl.unitedway.org/.

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