Last week, I attended the 2009 WorkPlace Awards Ceremony at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.  At the event, The WorkPlace recognizes outstanding students, and partners and it was wonderful to see the number of individuals who had completed training opportunities and were being placed in jobs throughout the region.  There were over 30 graduates there with their families.  I sat next to a young girl who wouldn't let her mother get off the stage until she had just the photo!  She and her brother were so proud!!  The applause for each graduate was wonderful and they were so excited about what the future held for them.  Our United Way received the Philanthropic Leadership Award for our investment in the Community Resource Center.  I heard that evening that approximately $65,000 of our $125,000 has made its way into the hands of families in need since it was launched earlier this year.  In the face of continued challenging economic times, it was refreshing to see that people are being helped and getting back on their feet.