Martin County Commission Chairman Lee Weberman took a pair of cream pies in the face for United Way on Nov. 3.

In a unique fund-raiser, the Martin County government sold about $700 in raffle tickets for two chances to push a pie in the commissioner's face. The sale of hot dogs at lunch during the event brought in about another $300.

Weberman wore a black cape and called himself “Commissioner Man,” a superhero with powers to dodge speeding cream pies. But the lucky raffle winners – county employees Pat Spaulding and Ann Perrotta – were able to thwart these superpowers and hit their target, to the cheers of their co-workers and a countywide audience on MCTV-20.

The event was just part of the Martin County government’s fund-raising effort for United. Overall, county employees have given or pledged $20,000 to the United Way campaign for 2005-06.

County employees embrace many United Way efforts throughout the year. For example, they hold collections of items for the School Supplies for Students Drive and the White Doves Holiday Project, run by the United Way Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC). And they also took part in the recent Book Harvest, run by the United Way Success By 6 initiative.

United Way of Martin County’s fund-raising goal is $2.225 million for the 2005-06 campaign.

More information about United Way of Martin County is available at www.unitedwaymartincounty.org or by calling (772) 283-4800.