United Way of Marquette County names 2012-13 co-chairs

The United Way of Marquette County will have the 2012-2013 campaign spearheaded by co-chairs Mark Canale, owner of Canale Funeral Homes in Marquette and Gwinn and Christine Pesola, owner of the Landmark Inn.

Canale served as the 2011-12 Campaign co-chair and offered to do it for another year.   When asked why he wanted to do it again, he responded, “I’m back because one year assisting the United Way wasn’t enough.  Through all of our work place campaign visits, personally seeing how United Way agencies touch the lives of so many citizens, and helping decide how the funds are distributed, I knew that I wanted to devote another year to United Way. ”

This year, Canale chose Christine Pesola to help him out, and she agreed. “I have been blessed by living here and have been impressed by how United Way eases the burden for those who need help the most through our 28 member agencies, impacting nearly 10,000 lives,” said Pesola.

The two will kick off the campaign during the Marquette Rotary West’sSeafood Fest on August 25, 2012, with a recorded public service message to be played during the event. They will lead the team of volunteers in raising money for the United Way. These funds, donated by individuals, businesses and different organizations, go back into the community to fund programs of local nonprofit agencies.

As co-chairs, Pesola and Canale will be the spokespeople for the United Way, visiting workplaces and organizations around Marquette County to talk about the United Way and encourage support.  The Campaign Coordinator, Sue Minckler, and/or the co-chairs can schedule a visit to any workplace or organization that would like a 15 minute presentation. For more information, please call the United Way of Marquette County at 906-226-8171 or visit the website at www.uwmqt.org.