United Way of San Luis Obispo County brought the year to a successful close by awarding more than $100,000 in grants and awards to local health and human service programs that provide the community with a wide array of resources.

As part of United Way’s annual Community Impact Fund, nearly 40 community volunteers reviewed 50 grant applications, requesting a total of over $244,000 to help meet the most pressing needs in the county. After careful consideration, 20 grants totaling $100,000 were awarded in the areas of education, income and health.

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Innovation Award recognizes a local not-for-profit organization for inventive approaches and programs.

The 2010 recipient is the Liberty Tattoo Removal program, provided by Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

Through its program offering and service delivery, Liberty Tattoo Removal exhibits characteristics that are creative both in concept and collaboration, key traits of the award. The $5,000 award was made possible in 2010 by its founder, Don Maruska of Don Maruska & Company, Inc., Chevron and IQMS.

"Especially at a time when the economy has slowed down and more of our neighbors are in need of help, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide these grants to local nonprofit organizations. Combined, these programs will touch thousands of lives of the men, women, children and families that live throughout SLO County," said Rick London, CEO.

All grant recipients will be recognized at United Way’s Annual Recognition Event on Thursday at the Dallidet Adobe and Gardens in downtown San Luis Obispo. For more information about United Way of SLO County, the Community Impact Fund or Innovation Award, visit www.unitedwayslo.org or call (805) 541-1234.

Donations can be sent to United Way of SLO County, P.O. Box 14309, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.