The St John United Way kicked off its 2010 Community Campaign with a “Pacesetter” event at Marathon Petroleum Company.

This event included a jambalaya cooking contest consisting of 14 teams each representing Marathon. Several local United Way Agencies were in attendance to meet with Marathon employees to help explain the services each provides in assisting the local community. The event also included fundraisers such as cash donations, raffles and prize drawings. Those in attendance were also treated to a visit and photo opportunity with members of the Saintsations.

This event is the first of its kind as Marathon has redesigned its campaign process. “We were hoping to generate even more excitement for 2010 and help our employees get into the spirit of giving” said Todd Madere, Human Resources Consultant and United Way Chairman for Marathon’s Garyville Refinery.

“We are extremely pleased to see our employees interact with representatives from the local community and learn how each organization impacts the citizens of St. John Parish.”

“Marathon’s record-breaking campaigns in 2008 and 2009 have helped the St John United Way break the $400,000 barrier in each of the last two years” said Dean Torres, executive director of St John United Way. “Marathon has had outstanding United Way campaigns in the past and continues to lead the way in assisting us with fund raising.”

In addition to successful United Way Campaigns, Marathon provides support for several educational programs throughout St. John Parish.

“Marathon is a key community partner and is a tremendous asset to our parish,” said Torres.

“We could not be happier about the excitement generated from the Marathon kickoff event, and the recent 12th Annual St John United Way Golf Classic. We are hopeful that this excitement will carry over to the other campaign sites that will soon be starting their 2010-11 campaign,” said Torres. The St John United Way fundraising campaign will continue through April 2011.

For more information or sites that may be interested in starting a campaign, please visit www.stjohnuw.org or call 985-651-9118.