MSVW, downtown, United Way pacesetters

Lorie Garwood, 2011 United Way campaign chair, announced Tuesday that Main Street Van Wert and downtown businesses have joined with United Way to be this year’s campaign pacesetter.

“In previous years we have partnered with a company(s) or organization to kick off our fundraising efforts,” Garwood said. “I really wanted to think outside the box and do something different this year.

“I think our downtown has seen a lot of improvement over the past couple of years due to Main Street Van Wert and I wanted to get people downtown for activities and have some summer fun,” she added.

On Friday, August 12, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., there will be different activities along the sidewalks and in the businesses from the YMCA to the YWCA and from Collins Fine Foods to Purmort Brothers Insurance.

“Some of the business owners have been really creative in coming up with things for people to do downtown,” Garwood noted. “We will begin in front of the courthouse with a balloon launch and presentations at 11 and then have fun in the downtown area until 5.”

Some of the activities include a murder mystery hosted by Main Street Van Wert, a putt-putt golf course held in various businesses, a free five-minute chair massage in front of the courthouse by Everybodies Therapeutic Massage and many, many, more activities to be listed next week.

For more information, call the United Way office at 419.238.6689 or Main Street Van Wert at 419.238.6911.