Plans for the 2014 Pike County United Way fund-raising campaign have been finalized and the official kickoff date has been set for Sept. 24 at the Colley Senior Complex in Troy.

Jane Thrash, 2014 campaign kickoff chair, said that all 17 agencies under the umbrella of the United Way will be present at the kickoff event with displays and information. There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and become more familiar with the important roles the United Way-supported agencies play in the community.

“The 2014 Pike County United Way Campaign Kickoff will be an hour and a half of fun and entertainment,” Thrash said. “We’ll also have a silent auction with lots of great items on the block. And, the annual Taste of Pike County Chili Cook-off is a featured event of the kickoff and is a highly anticipated and very popular.”

Thrash said that each of the 17 agencies that are supported by the Pike County United Way will supply a pot of chili and all the trimmings.

“The public will be invited to purchase a ticket for $1 and vote for their favorite chili,” Thrash said. “Everyone will be encouraged to taste all 17 chili recipes before they vote.”

Thrash said there will even be activities for children including a hands-on experience about disasters, games, contests and pups to pet.

“This will be a fun-filled night of entertainment and education as we kick off the 2014 Pike County United Way fund-raising campaign,” Thrash said. “We have set a goal of $100,000 and we invite everyone to come out a be a part of this fun.”

Admission to the Pike County United Way Campaign Kickoff is free. All Pike Countians benefit, directly or indirectly, from the agencies that are supported by the United Way.