Group 7even, LLC

This year United Way of St. Joseph County is proud to announce that, despite the challenges of the current economy, Notre Dame exceeded its 2011 campaign goal and was the number one workforce campaign.

United Way is excited to promote EITC Awareness Day on January 27. United Way encourages the community to participate in EITC Awareness Day by scheduling an appointment with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Blastcamp, a Hobart-based paintball field, awarded its first annual Able Award to honor local youths who display tremendous courage in the face of adversity. The inaugural Able Award was awarded to 12 year old Kyle Bartolini from Portage.

Starting January 17, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will begin free tax preparation & e-filing appointments for individuals and families in Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph County with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.

November has passed, but it's not too late to adopt a family through United Way's Team HEAT. With the requested donation of $300, Team HEAT will match $50 towards the heating bill of a family on our waiting list each month for November through March.

On Friday, November 25, Blastcamp hosted a Black Friday event to collect non-perishable food for the Hobart Food Pantry. The community met this challenge with overwhelming success --nearly 1,000 cans of food collected for the Hobart Food Pantry.

Many of our neighbors are struggling to stay warm during the winter season. In response, United Way of St. Joseph County's Team HEAT helps families pay their heating bills, learn about budgeting and get the support they need.

Blastcamp is partnering with the Hobart Food Pantry to collect non-perishable food. To help, bring a minimum of 6 canned goods to Blastcamp on Black Friday from 10 am – 4 pm, and you will receive free admission and rental for the day.

Group 7even, a Valparaiso marketing agency, includes creative work in new book Visual Marketing. The book presents case studies though photos and illustrations where visual marketing was executed in unique, effective ways.

On September 8, 2011, at a leadership giving society event for United Way, “The Ernie” award was unveiled to honor Ernestine “Ernie” Morris Raclin for her achievements through United Way, improving the quality of life in St. Joseph County.