ST. JOSEPH — Southwest Michigan residents will have a chance to decide where United Way funds go at an upcoming event.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting the public to attend its second annual “Pop Up Giving” event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 at Silver Harbor Brewing Company in St. Joseph. The event gives the community the chance to decide where the funds go.

Individual tickets are $20 and include one free drink and light appetizers provided by Silver Harbor. Doors open at 5 p.m. Presentations begin at 5:30 p.m.

At the event, three local income nonprofits — Gateway, Junior Achievement and Kinexus —will have three minutes to pitch a project that will impact the community, followed by two minutes of questions and answers with the audience. The audience will have five minutes to complete their ballots to determine the winner. Proceeds from all ticket sales are combined to create a “donation pot.” Second and third place finishers each receive consolation cash prizes of $250, while the organization with the most votes wins the rest of the donation pot.

“This event allows our partner agencies an opportunity to shine a light on some of the great work that they do. We’re happy to provide this type of platform for them and hope to hold this event quarterly through the year,” said Charlotte Becker, direct of annual campaign at United Way of Southwest Michigan.

This event’s sponsor, Honor Credit Union, has already kicked in $1,000 to get the pot started.

“We know that every project has a story and every dream has an inspiration, which is why we are thrilled to partner with United Way to support three area nonprofits and their quest to make a positive impact for the people of Southwest Michigan,” said Stacey Carlin, Honor Credit Union communications and brand manager.

Tickets are available at uwsm.org/pop-up-giving.