United Way of Mower County walked away from the Minnesota State Fair with an award for its Get Fit Mower County Healthy Living Challenge.

The program won Best in Class for the Health Care and Wellness category at the Minnesota State Fair – Minnesota Community Pride competition and Showcase.

For two years, United Way has hosted its winter Get Fit campaign, which challenges area residents to take part in a community-wide fitness fundraiser competition. For 14 weeks, 535 individuals took on the challenges of the Get Fit weight loss competition and the Be Fit exercise and nutrition competition.

Participants earned points through a grading system that awarded specific marks for criteria relating to nutrition, exercise and, when applicable, weight loss. Funds raised through the program are dispersed through its community programs.

In addition to the recognition, United Way of Mower County was awarded an $850 cash prize.

United Way kickng of this years campaign

The United Way of Mower County is looking once again to launch its annual fundraising campaign.

A kick-off lunch, scheduled for Sept. 15, will officially mark the beginning of this year’s campaign.

The organizatin’s 2009 campaign increased funding for United Way by 7 percent. The extra funding helped the group expand its services to provide 61 programs throughout the county.

The kick-off lunch will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Hormel Historic Home. For more information, contact the United Way of Mower County office at 507-437-2313.