ANDERSON — A sea of white T-shirts filled Anderson Country Club Tuesday as community leaders donned the apparel in support of a familiar cause.

From the block letters punched across the front of each shirt in bold black to the banners, bumper stickers and placards at each table, two words dominated the event: Live United.

“Live United” is the theme of United Way’s 2008 fundraising campaign and Tuesday, United Way of Madison County kicked off its 2008 fall fundraising drive with a banquet announcing this year’s goal — $1 million.

This cycle’s campaign chairman, Mike Casuscelli, publisher of The Herald Bulletin, emceed the event, explaining the significance of the campaign slogan. “It’s more than just ‘Live United.’ Two words: We need to live united to be successful.”

United Way officials rallied those in attendance by outlining three ways to help the organization and those it serves — give, advocate and volunteer.

“Live united and give united,” said Keith Trent, United Way board chairman.

The organization hopes to raise $160,000 in corporate donations and another $200,000 in individual donations this campaign.

Nancy Vaughan, president of United Way of Madison County, said there were many ways to advocate for United Way. Naturally, wearing a white, Live United shirt was at the top of the list.

Every day until the end of October, The Herald Bulletin will run a picture of one local resident wearing the Live United shirt.

The final means of giving, as explained by Mike Collette, United Way vice chairman, is volunteer work. “Give the gift of you.”

This fall, the United Way will put the words into action.

Operation Weatherization, in its second year, will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, in an attempt to help low-income Madison County families fight the cold.

Volunteers will use caulk and plastic to wrap windows and close spaces where cold air can enter the homes of needy local families in Alexandria, Anderson, Elwood and Pendleton.

“The goal this year is to weatherize 50 homes,” Casuscelli said, noting that Madison County has 54,000 households.

The group is also hosting an event to grab the attention of young volunteers on Sept. 6 at Anderson University. The event, called “Live United, The Experience,” will feature a performance by local AU band Sense of Reverence.