CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Optimist Club of Marshalltown hosted Rache Norton, events and marketing manager of the Marshalltown Area United Way, as the guest speaker at its Oct. 23 weekly meeting. Norton, who has been with the MAUW for 10 months, related the history of the agency, which first began in 1929 as the Greater Marshalltown Community Chest. It became affiliated with the United Way of America in 1962 under the present name. Norton included in her presentation the official 2025-26 campaign video featuring co-chairs Robert Maharry and Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez. They are working toward this year’s campaign goal of $900,000. Pictured is Optimist Club President Pat Peden, left, and Norton on the right. The Optimists meet Thursdays at noon at Legends American Grill.