United Way of Martin County will hold its annual campaign kickoff on Oct. 3 and invites the community to hear a dynamic guest speaker -- Florida Atlantic University president Frank Brogan -- and learn what it means to "Live United."

During these stormy economic times, this year's United Way fund-raising campaign is more important than ever. The Live United movement encourages people to give, advocate and volunteer in order to advance the common good, with an emphasis on the building blocks for a better life: education, income and health.

The campaign kickoff is scheduled for noon Oct. 3 at Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 SE Doubleton Drive, Stuart. Cost is $35, and reservations may be made by calling Wendie Berardi, assistant director of development, at (772) 283-4800, ext. 227.

Guest speaker Frank Brogan has strong ties to Martin County and United Way. He was an educator and superintendent of schools in Martin County as well as a past campaign chairman and board member for United Way.

In addition, United Way of Martin County is forging a partnership with the FAU College of Nursing to establish a gateway to health and human services in Martin County. The goal of the project is to address an urgent need for more accessible and affordable health care, tapping new resources and filling gaps in existing community services.

The kickoff also will feature this year's United Way of Martin County campaign chairman, Miguel Coty, a vice president at Martin Memorial Health Systems.

Coty has characterized the current economic climate as a "perfect storm" of conditions in which help is needed now more than ever. "People are going without health insurance, fearing for their jobs, facing decisions on whether to pay the rent or buy food," Coty said. "Local agencies are reporting that requests for assistance are outpacing available resources."

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