WATERLOO - The community is invited to attend Cedar Valley United Way's annual campaign kickoff.

The Rally for the Valley luncheon event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Gary Kroeger from the Mudd Group will serve as emcee. Speakers include Cedar Valley United Way board chairman Ken Nelson and 2009 campaign chairmen Dave Rodger and Jim Mudd Sr.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight. To make reservations, call 235-6211 or e-mail unitedway@cvuw.org by Aug. 27.

All money raised during the Rally for the Valley will go toward the campaign.

During the luncheon, guests will have a chance to purchase balloons for $10. At the end of the program, balloons will be popped to reveal prizes inside including tickets to the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Grout Museum District, Iowa Speedway, Phelps Youth Pavilion, UNI football, Waterloo Black Hawks, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and Waterloo Community Playhouse.

Other prizes include items from Jennifer's, KWWL, L & R Jewelers, ME&V, Scheels, Together for Youth, Tupperware - Bridget Bryson, University Book & Supply and UPS; and gift certificates to Barmuda, Basket of Daisies, Bill Colwell Ford, Bob Brown Car Detailing, Carol Hansen Photography, Cedar Falls Community Theatre, Comfort Suites, Cooper Image Design, Design Studio, Elements Therapeutic Massage, Great Clips, Hardees, Homestead House, Jiva Salon & Spa, Kate's on Main, McDonald's, Scheels, Tan Down Under, the Black Hawk Hotel and Pump Haus.

For more information about Cedar Valley United Way or to learn how to contribute, visit www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org.