More than 600 people are expected to convene at the Salem Convention Center this week when the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley hosts their 75th Anniversary Celebration event. It all began when the Salem Community Chest began with a kickoff dinner at the Marion Hotel on Oct. 11, 1937. Since then, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley has served Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties by reaching out to citizens and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It currently funds 21 programs and 10 collaborations though the 2011-2013 Community Impact Fund grant cycle. By merging local nonprofit fund drives into a single, concentrated, community-wide effort, the founders hoped to help local “human care” agencies save on expenses, raise more money and establish a better, more informed rapport with the public. United Way combines your gift with thousands of others and then focuses these donations to have a measurable impact on key issues that matter in our community such as: • Education-Helping children, youth and adults achieve their full potential. • Income-Promoting financial stability and independence • Health-Improving people's health Rooted in a legacy created 75 years ago, the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley continues to serve our community. James C. Edmonds of Fetherston Edmonds is acting board president for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. For information about the United Way's 75th anniversary celebration event, contact Terianne Petzold at (503) 363-1651 or tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org.