If you closely examined the floorboards at the Legion Hall, it's a good bet you could find a groove worn in the floor. After all, Reinhard Eisbrenner has been working at it for 23 years, running back and forth.

"There's only a handful of people in our community who have endured all 23 years of our Communithon," said Jerry Ponto, who delivered a speech in Reinhard's honour at the Weyburn and District United Way's annual meeting on Wednesday.

Reinhard, who was accompanied by his mother Hanna, was one of several volunteers honoured for their service to the United Way at the meeting, which was held at the Legion. This is the second year the United Way has paid tribute to its volunteers.

Ponto listed the many ways Reinhard helps out during Communithon time, such as running pledges from the call-in area to the accountants in the back of the hall, tending to the Communithon toteboard alongside Captain United and Lady Charity, and performing with the Red Wings or by himself in front of the cameras.

And, of course, when the Communithon enters its final hours and volunteers are worn out, Reinhard was there "with a pat on the back or a kind word," said Ponto.

Called up to the podium, Reinhard just said "Thanks" as he choked back tears. The audience gave him a standing ovation.

Reinhard recently left Weyburn for Regina, though he has promised to come back for next year's Communithon. In recent weeks, he has been honoured by the Red Wings during a home game, and the Senior Beavers discussed getting him a lifetime pass at their annual meeting.

Another honouree that evening were the Weyburn Knights of Columbus, who hold the annual perogy sale at McKenna Hall.

Jim Parsons, grand knight of the K of C, said the local chapter of over 200 members involves itself in many projects, such as sponsoring a hockey team, organizing an annual free-throw contest, the MS Walk and MS Cycle Tour, and so on.

But one of their most important projects is the annual Communithon luncheon, held in conjunction with the Weyburn Co-op, who supplies the food. The event brings in an average of $7,000.

"I would like to thank the Weyburn United Way for recognizing our efforts," he said. "I assure you that our efforts will continue and even grow in helping your very worthwhile organization."

Roy Chuckry, who sells homemade chocolates every year at the K of C luncheon, was also singled out for recognition.

Chuckry said he just would like to thank everyone who helps out his sale "but especially Don Kraft and his staff" at the Weyburn Co-op.

The United Way also paid a farewell to two of its departing executives, Velda Coulter and Rob Stephanson.

In the annual report, president Brent Allin said the United Way failed to meet its 2004 Communithon goal of $120,004. However, prudent management allowed the United Way to meet the requests of its 18 member agencies.

Altogether, the United Way allocated $119,950 to its 18 member agencies. The highest recipients were the Canadian Arthritis Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Institute for the Blind, the Canadian Red Cross and the Violence Intervention Program.

Allin noted that the goal for 2004 was approximately $10,000 higher than in 2003, partly because the Weyburn Big Brothers and Big Sisters were signed on as the 18th agency.

Communithon co-chair Shelley Kievits added that, because they were able to surpass $110,000, they were able to receive $15,000 from an anonymous donor. That amount is used to cover the yearly administration and Communithon costs.

The remaining member agencies are the Alzheimer Support Group, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Special Care Home ladies auxiliary, Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Victorian Order of Nurses, Weyburn and Area Supportive Employment Services, Care-A-Van Society, Weyburn Grief Support and Weyburn Hospital Guild.