There are still a few tickets left for the United Way of Central Kansas 2014 kick-off event Saturday evening, said UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith.
The theme for the event is “Sail Away with United Way.” It will take place at the Great Bend Knights of Columbus Hall, 723 Main, starting at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7.
Entertainment is to follow with comedian, illusionist and “Master of Variety” Mike Bliss, a veteran of America’s Got Talent who now performs regularly in Branson, Mo.
 Bliss is a professional comedian/magician/juggler/pick-pocket who has been entertaining for over 25 years all across the country from Miami, Fla., to Fairbanks, Alaska, to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, to Cancun, to Honolulu, to Tahiti, to headlining his own show in Branson, Mo. He was also voted “Branson’s Specialty Act of the Year” and his TV credits include Fox’s 30 Seconds to Fame and NBC’s America’s Got Talent!
Besides being an award-winning solo performer for over 25 years, Bliss has also been performing with his two oldest boys (Zachary, 13 and Stephen, 12) for the past eight years. On special, limited engagements, they join him in the juggling and a mind-reading act.
Besides having over 33 years of experience studying and entertaining with magic and other skills of dexterity, Bliss has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Theatre Performance. He not only headlined many of the main stage production shows as an actor, he also learned directing, speech, and choreography. He is also a skilled dancer. 
The goal this year is $250,000. The 2014 campaign co-chairs are Bill and Angie Maddy, Jerry and Linda Marmie, and Kevyn and Paulette Soupiset.
 To contact United Way of Central Kansas or to register for the kick-off event or for more information, visit the office at 1125 Williams in Great Bend, call 620-792-2403, e-mail unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com, or visit uwck.org and to the the “events” tab.