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The United Way of Oxford and Vicinity recently named Enrico and Susan Blasi co-chairs of its 2008 fundraising campaign. Honorary chairs are Jim and Dolly Thomas.

Enrico Blasi is head coach of Miami University's nationally ranked ice hockey program and Jim Thomas, a retired Oxford dentist, is founder of the Oxford Talawanda Dental Clinic, a United Way-funded agency providing free dental care to low income schoolchildren living in the Talawanda School District.

Rounding out the campaign cabinet are Leadership Giving chairs Jim and Sarah Michael, and UW Board vice president Steve Flee.

Campaign chairs and board members have begun implementing marketing strategies and meeting with community leaders.

"During the next few weeks, you will be hearing a great deal about our United Way and how it works with 23 partner agencies," Enrico Blasi said. "The United Way of Oxford and Vicinity works hard to fund agencies that ensure a community infrastructure that focuses on education, stable jobs and good health. By working together we can do more than we can do alone."

The 2008 campaign kickoff, sponsored by the Miami University Community Federal Credit Union, will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Oxford Senior Citizens Center.

Brad Bates, Miami University's athletic director, is keynote speaker for the kickoff. The campaign goal is $205,000, which is a $5,000 increase over the 2007 campaign goal.

That money will fund 23 agencies that address needs of community residents, from food pantries to healthcare, to youth, family and senior advocacy services.

In 2007, approximately 10,000 local residents received direct aid services from these agencies.