FAIRFIELD — Pulitzer Prize columnist and Butler County native Clarence Page will return home to be a keynote speaker later this month.

Page will be the guest speaker at the Butler County United Way Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim's International Market on Dixie Highway in Fairfield.

"When I look back on activities (during my youth) such as scouts and sports, the United Way supported them," Page, a columnist and editorial board member for the Chicago Tribune, said on Wednesday. "Realize how important it is to have a private sector who need help in an emergency situation."

Page, who originally is from Middletown, has a syndicated column and is an author and a freelance writer for numerous magazines and national newspapers. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on the Chicago Tribune Task Force series on voting fraud in 1972 as well as other prestigious awards throughout his career.

The event will feature WCPO-TV reporter Deb Silverman as the emcee and a Women's Initiative silent auction. Recognition of volunteers and awards will be given as well.

Ohio Casualty Group will be the presenting sponsor. Other sponsorships are still available, according to United Way Chief Executive Officer and President Maureen Noe.

Bruce Jewett, director of Butler County Department of Job and Family Services, will be the incoming board chairman of the local United Way.

"(Page) seemed like good to come and give his perspective of how 'Butler County Children Can Become Successful Adults,'" he said of United Way's youth initiative. "This is a wonderful opportunity."

For more information, call (513) 863-0800.