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Presidential Impersonators Kick Off TSYS United Way Fundraiser

Julie Bercik

Story Created: Sep 23, 2008 at 6:04 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2008 at 6:04 PM CDT

TSYS kicks off its United Way Campaign fundraiser.

Hundreds of employees packed the Convention and Trade Center for Thursday morning’s events.

TSYS is the United Way's largest and most active member of the campaign, and this year the company has set its goal even higher.

NBC 38's Julie Bercik has more.

Politics took center stage as TSYS kicked off its United Way campaign. The kickoff attracted hundred, including Senator McCain and Senator Obama impersonators.

“Before I get started, I'd like to say I came down here on the left isle, and that's as far left as I've actually ever been,” said the McCain impersonator, a TSYS employee.

"Let me just say that the United Way is an organization that I can be proud of, you the people of TSYS can be proud of,” said the Senator Obama impersonator.

Candidates wasted no time getting down to the issues, United Way issues, like homelessness.

"The Homeless Resource Network has served almost a thousand homeless this past year,” said the McCain impersonator.

When it comes to food distribution, the United way helped local organization more than 1.9 million pounds of food last year.

"Here what I say folks... 1.9 million pounds,” said the Obama impersonator.

Candidates had different opinions about issues, but agreed on one thing: the United Way is critical to our community.

"We are a huge part of the United Way. We always play the game and we play it hard,” said Phil Tomlinson, TSYS CEO.

TSS has160 leaders involved in the campaign, a huge contribution.

"The money that is raised within TSYS is over 13 percent of the overall campaign,” said Abbott Turner, United Way Campaign Chair.

This year, the company has set its goal even higher, $850,000, a contribution that will help thousands.

'If we don't take care of the needs of our public, the quality of life will suffer for everyone,” said Turner.

The United Way services 26 agencies and 56 organizations.