FARMINGTON – The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The first campaign took place in 1980 and had a goal of $2,000. The 2005-2006 campaign goal is $350,000.

The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area has recently kicked off this year’s campaign to raise funds to provide 24 agencies with money to help people in Franklin County, Livermore and Livermore Falls.

The theme, “Together – It’s the Lives We Change and the Community We Shape,” begins the new campaign, although the search is still on for campaign co-chairmen. The theme is based on the principle that working together within the communities helps the 24 nonprofit agencies provide services to neighbors, friends and families.

In 1980 there were 11 agencies vying for United Way funding. Of those original agencies, only three are no longer with the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area. Some of the services are not funded through other sources.

The United Way is a locally controlled, volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves. United Way and its volunteers work year-round to isolate and deal with community problems.

An ad-hoc group will be formed to help recognize the efforts of all the people who were involved in starting this United Way. They are still looking for the founding fathers that were involved in organizing and doing the first United Way Tri-Valley Campaign.