BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (SUBMITTED) -- Give is the word, according to United Way of Blount County co-chairs Denny and Cindy Mayes who kicked off their campaign with a breakfast at the Airport Hilton Ballroom, Thursday, August 28.

The United Way of Blount County campaign goal for 2008 is $2,250,000 with the theme “Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.”

Over 350 people attended the kick-off as the Mayes announced so far Blount County has raised $617,048 from pacesetter, golf tournament, and early campaign totals, which is 27.4% of the organization's goal.

United Way of Blount County's campaign wraps up November 21.

For more information about United Way of Blount County, visit liveunitedblount.org.

Last year, United Way of Blount County was the first United Way in the state of Tennessee to reach its campaign goal.

(Information submitted by United Way of Blount County.)