FRANKLIN TWP — Seven agencies and businesses and one family were honored Thursday by the United Way of Butler County at its annual meeting.

It handed out awards for fundraising efforts and for leadership and community spirit.

Those awards were:

- Spirit of Butler County Award — XTO Energy for community leadership and promoting community service

- Hero of Hope Award — Kimberly Rivers and family, a client of a partner agency who has overcome challenges with help from the community

- Outstanding Special Event Fundraising Awards — Butler Eagle, Calumet-Penreco and MSA for hosting special fundraising activities

- United Way Pacesetter Awards — CW Howard Insurance Agency, the United Way and Mars National Bank for 100 percent employee participation in making donations.