tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69823531324044441792024-03-20T03:08:55.545-07:00Heart of Florida United WayHeart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-36494464235637040672014-09-12T12:47:00.002-07:002014-09-12T12:47:31.725-07:00<a data-mce-href="https://hfuw.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/doc-2013-pic.jpg" href="https://hfuw.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/doc-2013-pic.jpg"><img alt="DOC 2013 pic" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5112" data-mce-src="http://hfuw.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/doc-2013-pic.jpg?w=300" height="225" src="http://hfuw.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/doc-2013-pic.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a>Imagine
what could happen if two dozen volunteers armed with spades, hoes and
hammers descended upon a preschool’s yard. In a day’s time, that school
could have a learning garden, the perfect vehicle for teaching
nutrition, environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility. It’s
not just a vision. It will happen on Day of Caring, September 26th. Day
of Caring is Central Florida’s largest community-based volunteer event.
Businesses throughout the area send out teams of volunteers to work on
specific projects aimed at bettering our community. Project needs fit
some broad areas of interest. Gardening and landscaping projects are a
great chance to spend a day outdoors. Creative thinkers can promote
literacy through arts and crafts, while those who simply want to show
they care can help serve the homeless. With dozens of projects to choose
from, Central Florida corporations can easily put 2,000 volunteers out
in the community September 26th. There are even projects available for
individuals who want to participate. To learn more about Day of Caring
and to sign up for a company project, visit the Day of Caring page at
www.hfuw.org. You can also contact the Volunteer Resource Center by
calling (407) 429-2136 or emailing us at VolunteerCenter@hfuw.org.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-76953523555797751262013-06-07T11:35:00.001-07:002013-06-07T11:35:24.594-07:00Top 10 Reasons to Participate in Day of Action on June 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61hnQHWJPnHhb1HzqFoOlcB2qpqIAbZDS5KhkOA2ADHTuqXJ2YkCO8OmsgY0xbqAkizf94G5kDj0w261sVJB0HtwoSp_0WjG1rLzRpJ03iMpFmaHHlRUQQUhfY1JdTtOeTKcE_f9oauIz/s1600/DSC_0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61hnQHWJPnHhb1HzqFoOlcB2qpqIAbZDS5KhkOA2ADHTuqXJ2YkCO8OmsgY0xbqAkizf94G5kDj0w261sVJB0HtwoSp_0WjG1rLzRpJ03iMpFmaHHlRUQQUhfY1JdTtOeTKcE_f9oauIz/s320/DSC_0470.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(<i>Pictured above: Heart of Florida United Way recently held a book sorting party in preparation for its annual “Day of Action” to be held on Monday, June 17th. Staff and volunteers helped sort more than 5,000 children's books that were donated to Day of Action, the one day a year aimed at community-wide volunteerism.</i>)<br />
<br />Looking for a great volunteer opportunity and a chance to promote children's literacy? Heart of Florida United Way is inviting volunteers to come participate in Day of Action on Monday, June 17th. <br /><br />
Day of Action is a community-wide volunteerism opportunity focusing on reducing the summer reading gap, which is the gradual decline of reading proficiency while children are away from the classroom. In an effort to encourage reading and foster literacy in youth, volunteers will engage in a variety of activities, including reading aloud, creating skits and playing rhyming games or “word BINGO.”<br />
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Volunteer projects will take place at partner agencies throughout the community, including Orlando Day Nursery Association, Winter Park Day Nursery, Schools and Communities: Together for Tomorrow, PACE Center for Girls and more. Volunteers can sign up to participate online at <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/">www.HFUW.org</a>.<br />
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<br />Here are 10 great reasons why you should participate in Day of Action:<br /><br /><div>
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<b>1.</b> With a focus on education, Heart of Florida United Way is aiming to encourage reading and foster literacy in youth during its “Day of Action,” one day a year aimed at community-wide volunteerism.</div>
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<b>2.</b> Summer reading loss is the gradual decline of reading proficiency while children are away from the classroom.</div>
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<b>3.</b> A recent study shows that while in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 for every 300 children.</div>
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<b>4.</b> Children already struggling to maintain grade-appropriate reading levels and/or those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are often the ones most affected by summer reading loss.</div>
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<b>5.</b> Eighty percent of pre-school and after-school programs serving low-income students don’t have age-appropriate materials, according to Access for All: Closing the Book Gap for Children in Early Education by Susan Neuman.</div>
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<b>6.</b> By the end of fifth grade, low-income children are approximately 2.5 years behind their peers in terms of reading ability, primarily because of summer reading loss.</div>
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<b>7.</b> Students score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do at the end of the school year.</div>
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<b>8.</b> Studies from the University of California show that students could improve their reading skills over the summer if they were able to select books based on their interests and reading levels. </div>
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<b>9.</b> Out-of-school reading habits have demonstrated that even 15 minutes a day of independent reading can expose students to more than a million words a year.</div>
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<b>10.</b> Price is the number one barrier to book ownership. Due to cost, 94 percent of teachers nationwide use their own money to provide books and resources for their students. </div>
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Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-50294185556847829852010-05-10T11:00:00.000-07:002010-05-10T08:09:53.419-07:00Tantalize Your Taste Buds with the Best Cuisine This Side of the Food Network<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX2wIGqgqB8oXKBr9fFnNClDaXYCYyYKgbjumVxRGRB9YshOAmIJKccBPheE_vRg6C39_QeKDLSh9DHwqBrJ7LQpJKKxj6EyV4BBxDUbhXqSlrYYldkVgRjhdKZ3-3E8KwEsi7aSf3pmz/s1600/All+Chefs_fun.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467904868524116338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX2wIGqgqB8oXKBr9fFnNClDaXYCYyYKgbjumVxRGRB9YshOAmIJKccBPheE_vRg6C39_QeKDLSh9DHwqBrJ7LQpJKKxj6EyV4BBxDUbhXqSlrYYldkVgRjhdKZ3-3E8KwEsi7aSf3pmz/s400/All+Chefs_fun.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQF0FLAa_f4gvwPsInL97kHq1ah5p0EGU3c2ue7m_L2EpxL45h2bmYU0SQIHlA0DRlh8skSJg9ZJoUlB5kcq2SmtDMcm_2gc-WPW_Uv0pvOrkCaSqVWxkW591SUTxtdca2F0zb9ZcCqcfN/s1600/All+Chefs_fun.jpg"></a>As anyone who’s ever attended Chef’s Gala knows, it’s one of the best opportunities around to savor the most creative, flavorful cuisine served this side of the Food Network.<br /><br />With more than 20 of the region’s most talented (and competitive) chefs showcasing their culinary talents, the results are bound to be amazing.<br /><br />This year, though, they’re really outdoing themselves. Check out just a few of the amazing dishes they'll be serving on Saturday, May 15:<br /><div><ul><li>Porcini-rubbed Filet Mignon with Sam’s Mashed Potatoes </li><br /><li>Pan-seared Buffalo with Herb Goat Cheese Polenta and Ancho-Cherry Compote<br /></li><li>Lobster Bruschetta—Olive Oil-seared Ciabatta with Lobster, Tomato, Avocado, and Fresh Herbs topped with Tarragon Aïoli and Fresh Chiles </li><br /><li>Basque-style Tuna with Espelette Polenta, Late Spring Vegetables, Niçoise Olive, and Idiazábal Cheese </li></ul><p>Think it can’t get any better? Now imagine each flavorful dish paired with a perfectly selected glass of wine. Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in heaven – or at least Napa. </p><p>If you love fabulous food and wine, don’t miss this terrific opportunity to savor the best of both – while helping local people in need. <strong><em>Tickets are going fast!</em></strong> <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Chefs_Gala.php" jquery1273094449335="7">Get yours now</a>.</p></div></div>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-17557878497526894582010-05-07T07:57:00.000-07:002010-05-07T08:02:29.662-07:00Food Isn’t the Only Excitement at Chef’s Gala – Check Out These Exclusive Silent Auction Items!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx7C5FBBR_ZWWJmPCKGcRC7pYvGLO4B0ygGkrAgg3keCjD5GUZPSEs0ppzg3SgLE7iGWcJ7TtNViYCuhS3pqkwnCJ2E4WjKh6HsLrJbdSM8iMPv3P57PuuJ9VFR1RLbccArTqm7WhOkbp/s1600/DSC_4825.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468543101553440338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx7C5FBBR_ZWWJmPCKGcRC7pYvGLO4B0ygGkrAgg3keCjD5GUZPSEs0ppzg3SgLE7iGWcJ7TtNViYCuhS3pqkwnCJ2E4WjKh6HsLrJbdSM8iMPv3P57PuuJ9VFR1RLbccArTqm7WhOkbp/s400/DSC_4825.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In addition to great food and wine, Chef’s Gala also features an elegant Silent Auction that offers guests a chance to take home some really exciting items, including travel getaways, entertainment packages, fine art and more.<br /><br />Here’s a sneak preview of what’s in store for this year: </div><div><br />· A two-night, deluxe-room stay at the <strong>Waldorf Astoria Orlando</strong>, including a spa visit, massages and dinner for two at the Bull & Bear Steakhouse<br />· An <strong>Orlando Magic basketball autographed by Dwight Howard</strong>, plus a week of basketball camp<br />· Two round-trip tickets on <strong>JetBlue Airways</strong><br />· A luxury suite behind home plate for you and 18 friends at a <strong>Tampa Bay Rays Game</strong><br />· Four annual combo passes for <strong>SeaWorld Aquatica</strong>, two passes for the Discovery Cove Dolphin Interaction Program and other exclusive offerings.<br /><br />Many thanks to all the companies and individuals who have generously donated auction items. Special kudos also go to our Silent Auction Co-Chairs – Ed DeAguilera, Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando; and Belinda Ortiz, Economic Development Director for the City of Kissimmee.<br /><br />See you at Chef's Gala!</div>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-65267222206637540722010-05-04T06:24:00.000-07:002010-05-04T06:38:34.146-07:00Chef’s Gala - A Food and Wine Lovers’ DelightOnce, not very long ago, creative cuisine in Central Florida ranged from alligator nuggets to luau fare, but as our region has grown and matured, so has our appreciation – and array – of amazing and sophisticated world-class food.<br /><br />From the fresh, inspired creations of America’s top celebrity chefs to the bold, exciting flavors of Asia and Africa, there’s no better place to sample our region’s finest culinary offerings than at Chef’s Gala, on May 15.<br /><br />If you’ve never attended, <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Chefs_Gala">Chef’s Gala </a>is a food and wine lovers’ delight that features the best dishes of the region’s 20-plus top chefs, along with thoughtfully paired wines. It’s a fun, delicious and elegant evening, which also raises much-needed dollars to help local people in need.<br /><br />Still unconvinced? Here’s just a few of the incredible menu items:<br /><br />• Basque-rubbed Veal Loin with Feta-Herb Saltsa, presented by <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/board-walk-inn/dining/kouzzina/">Kouzzina by Cat Cora®, <em>Disney’s BoardWalk</em> </a><br />• Lamb Polpettine Panino with Mint and Spring Vegetable Salsa and Butterscotch Pudding, offered by <a href="http://laluceorlando.com/">La Luce by Donna Scala, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek </a><br />• Basque-style Tuna with Espelette Polenta, Late Spring Vegetables, Niçoise Olive, and Idiazábal Cheese, created by <a href="http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/bluezoo/">Todd English’s bluezoo</a><br /><br /><br />Ready to enjoy? <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Chefs_Gala">Click here</a> to learn more.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-4247027611201844962010-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:002010-04-21T09:48:48.716-07:00Chef's Gala - A taste you don't want to miss!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw9zG1PsU-PUss-K4aO1-o5lCUo8hL3zaFH7wNlViKiijYxY4FBbn73HW7shWsHn0273EszeziZZDRwjSPDHe2r9JJyr7cVd3OkYOxm6qHS0rCkMyOmTu3aWcg5yzHeG3lHhmKWBTQq93/s1600/P4140078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461838416362901986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw9zG1PsU-PUss-K4aO1-o5lCUo8hL3zaFH7wNlViKiijYxY4FBbn73HW7shWsHn0273EszeziZZDRwjSPDHe2r9JJyr7cVd3OkYOxm6qHS0rCkMyOmTu3aWcg5yzHeG3lHhmKWBTQq93/s200/P4140078.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Had the chance to get an inside peek into this year’s <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Chefs_Gala.php">Chef’s Gala </a>and let me tell you, this is an event you don’t want to miss!<br /><br />This past Wednesday a few of the participating restaurants – The <a href="http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/About/main.asp">Capital Grille</a>, <a href="http://www.funkymonkeywine.com/">Funky Monkey</a>, <a href="http://www.grandelakes.com/Primo-78.html">Primo</a> and Epcot® Bakery – got together at Primo in Grande Lakes Orlando to give a taste of what the event will feature.<br /><br />After sampling four exquisite dishes, enjoying delightful company and basking in the beautiful contemporary Italian atmosphere of Primo, the preview left me – and the others – wanting more! With Chef’s Gala quickly approaching on May 15, I won’t have to wait much longer!<br /><br />Thanks to all the media who came out to share our excitement about this event! <a href="http://www.clickorlando.com/station/462062/detail.html">Lauren Rowe</a>, news anchor from <a href="http://www.clickorlando.com/index.html">Channel 6,</a> even took some of the food back to share with the rest of her news team. They got to sample a few Chef’s Gala menu selections on air – and they even shared some with <a href="http://mickael-pietrus.com/">Mickael Pietrus </a>of the <a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/index_main.html">Orlando Magic </a>during a live interview at the Amway Arena! (GO MAGIC!)<br /><br /><object style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left" width="214" height="165"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nQvS2QQ7U9E&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nQvS2QQ7U9E&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="214" height="164"></embed></object><br /><br />Other previewed menu items included two forms of gourmet Macaroni & Cheese - Apple, Bacon and Gorgonzola, and Lobster and Fontina - from Funky Monkey, which were absolutely fabulous. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, The Capital Grille stepped in with Chef Matthew’s Porcini-rubbed Filet Mignon and Sam’s Mashed Potatoes.<br /><br />View the full Chef’s Gala menu <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/media/CG_Event_Menu.pdf">here</a>. <br /><br />This event will truly be an evening for you - and your taste buds - to remember forever. Don’t miss it - <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Chefs_Gala.php">click here </a>to order your tickets today!Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-42331946356822169922010-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:002010-04-09T13:56:04.905-07:00When Job Disappeared, Marti, 68, Had Nowhere to Live But her Car<object width="240" height="160" align="left"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bATOpVZasto&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bATOpVZasto&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="240" height="160"></embed></object><br /><br />Close your eyes for a moment. Think about your comfortable home, your warm bed, your job, your savings and everything you hold dear.<br /><br />Now imagine they all disappear, nearly overnight. And for the next six months, you have nowhere to live but your car.<br /><br />Seem impossible? It happened to our friend, Marti, a 68-year-old great-grandmother with a master’s degree, a solid career of helping others and an amazing spirit.<br /><br />She recently shared her story at the <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Womens_Leadership_Luncheon.php">United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon</a>. You’ve got to hear it.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-43277905881138777952010-03-31T13:53:00.000-07:002010-04-01T07:44:44.737-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0xwkiHouJVmLM-nyFLBTC_RU9ZMldWilRF53W1iWcEifRbHEyzDjQkCXWh5yPwyECRVbd5GggrWeDQ1OJUVfo_X3qfNRzBtlfqmIYQlbq3ZVMmfi4ik2kD_TUbdpHe0oInv6kZxxkPay/s1600/UnitedWaydsc_0211%C2%A9JudyWatsonTracy2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455166163218965586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0xwkiHouJVmLM-nyFLBTC_RU9ZMldWilRF53W1iWcEifRbHEyzDjQkCXWh5yPwyECRVbd5GggrWeDQ1OJUVfo_X3qfNRzBtlfqmIYQlbq3ZVMmfi4ik2kD_TUbdpHe0oInv6kZxxkPay/s320/UnitedWaydsc_0211%C2%A9JudyWatsonTracy2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sapphire – Bright Star for Women in Need </strong><br /></span><strong><br /></strong>Seeing New York Times best selling author Sapphire at yesterday’s <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Womens_Leadership_Luncheon.php">United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon</a>, renewed my belief that one woman can make a difference.<br /><br />Bright, passionate and honest, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire_(author)">Sapphire</a> gave an amazing keynote address that touched on her experiences from living and teaching school in Harlem in the 1980s. Her novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Push-Novel-Sapphire/dp/0679766758">Push</a> – which draws on this time – inspired the recent Oscar-winning film, <a href="http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/precious/">Precious</a>.<br /><br />The book and film tell the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones, an overweight teenager who overcomes poverty, AIDS and other seemingly insurmountable problems to create a better life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tiff/story/2009/09/13/f-oprah-precious-press-conference.html">Oprah</a>, who co-produced the film, said, “None of us who see the movie can now walk through the world and allow the Preciouses of the world to be invisible.”<br /><br />Sapphire talked candidly about incest, illiteracy, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, AIDS and other tragedies endured by her students, whose stories she said “broke open the seeds of the world.”<br /><br />Though difficult to talk – and write – about, Sapphire said she was compelled to write <em>Push</em>, in part, to break the code of silence and create change.<br /><br />“As a teacher and an artist, I took it upon myself to tell the stories of what I saw,” Sapphire said. “I owed it to my precious students who were pushing daily to survive.”<br /><br />Describing education as “transformational,” she urged everyone to work together to help women, particularly young girls, succeed. “We know that 90% of poor women on welfare are able to earn a living wage within two years of completing college,” Sapphire said.<br /><br />Many in the room were visibly moved by Sapphire’s words, which concluded with a heartfelt message about women’s ability to influence change. Deflecting applause, she said, “I clap for you. I clap for the solutions you are creating. I clap for the work you’re doing every day.”<br /><br />Call it a halo effect, but the work we do here at <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Home_Page.php">United Way</a> – seems just a little more meaningful.<br /><br />Inspired to Give, Advocate or Volunteer on behalf of local women and children in need? <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Womens_Leadership_Initiative.php">Click here</a> to learn more.<br /><br /><em>Mary<span style="color:#000000;"> D'Ottavio</span> works in Heart of Florida United Way's Marketing Department.</em>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-66337101388019556032010-03-15T06:06:00.000-07:002014-01-24T10:26:05.695-08:00Home Free….Way to Go, Olivia!Just ran into Olivia, a terrific lady who volunteers in our <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/United_Way_2-1-1.php">United Way 2-1-1</a> call center. She shared a great story about receiving an unexpected $700 windfall, compliments of EITC, which helped her pay off her mortgage.<br />
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Talk about being home free! We’ve been saying all along that <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Earned_Income_Tax_Credit.php">EITC </a>(Earned Income Tax Credit), can make a huge difference in people’s live – and Olivia is the proof.<br />
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As a retired special needs teacher, Olivia isn't exactly rolling in dough. She's worked hard all of her life and every dollar counts. Satisfying the mortgage on her Habitat for Humanity home is an amazing achievement that will free up money for other important needs. It also lets her do more of what she loves most – serving as a community volunteer.<br />
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Like so many people, Olivia had never heard of EITC before.<br />
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It was only by offering information to 2-1-1 callers that she found out that she might qualify for a refund, which this year ranges from $457 to $5,657.<br />
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And get this – in all the years she’s been paying to have her taxes done by a BIG NAME TAX PREPARER, the trusted experts never once mentioned a word about EITC. Seems a little odd, given that the program’s been around since 1975 and helps an estimated 5 million hardworking people every year.<br />
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After visiting one of 30 local <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Earned_Income_Tax_Credit_-_Tax_Sites">FREE tax prep sites</a>, Olivia learned that she even qualified for a retroactive refund from last year. She said the whole process took 45 minutes, the full refund arrived in 10 days and she didn’t have to spend a dime.<br />
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“With the economy as bad as it is, EITC is a real blessing,” Olivia said. “Getting your taxes done for free makes it even better!”<br />
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After a lifetime of giving to others, it’s great to know that something good came back to Olivia.<br />
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<em>Mary D'Ottavio works in Heart of Florida United Way's marketing department.</em>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-47741252809677836002010-02-26T12:29:00.000-08:002010-04-01T07:48:04.502-07:00Answering the S.O.S.<strong><span style="font-size:130;"></span></strong><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxm8fPaPVw0C-y6qvJ6M4kVvvyNJ90C4yBmenDUKzfTucLY5JM_R-kIbWGCyV_VeDkalmWzMlMlbYSKS14WZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></strong>As I was getting ready to leave work one night not long ago, an S.O.S. e-mail popped up asking for a few volunteers to help out at our <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/United_Way_2-1-1.php">United Way 2-1-1</a> call center. Thanks to a daylong media blitz about the <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Earned_Income_Tax_Credit">Earned Income Tax Credit</a> – or EITC – 2-1-1 phones had been going crazy and were expected to be even busier during the evening news hours.<br /><br />Call it a sign of the times or a tribute to the power of the media, but every time the stories ran on <a href="http://www.wftv.com/9familyconnection/index.html">WFTV 9 Family Connection</a>, <a href="http://www.wftv.com/wrdq/index.html">WFTV/TV 27</a> and <a href="http://www.cfnews13.com/">Central Florida News 13</a>, calls went through the roof the moment the 2-1-1 information number was mentioned.<br /><br />Apparently, it was the first time many people had heard about EITC, which offers federal tax credits of up to $5,657 for low-income families and individuals. In these tough times, that’s a potentially life-changing sum for the thousands of local residents who are struggling to pay their rent, feed their kids or keep the heat on.<br /><br />Although I hadn't previously volunteered at 2-1-1, I’m a true believer in EITC’s ability to help people get on their feet. After a quick phone tutorial, I was ready to jump in and take calls.<br /><br />It’s one thing to watch news stories about people who are facing tough times. It’s another thing all together to talk to them and personally hear their stories.<br /><br />For two solid hours I fielded a steady stream of calls from hardworking people who’ve had their lives turned upside down by unemployment, foreclosure, bankruptcy, serious illness and other crises they never saw coming.<br /><br />Everybody wanted to know if they were qualified to claim EITC benefits. Though I couldn’t tell them that – we refer people to <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Earned_Income_Tax_Credit_-_Tax_Sites">free tax prep sites</a> instead – just listening and offering the prospect of hope seemed to help.<br /><br />“God bless you,” said one Kissimmee woman, who’d gone through the foreclosure gauntlet and lost. Struggling now to avoid homelessness, she also asked if we could help her husband who has cancer and no medical insurance.<br /><br />EITC isn’t a cure-all. But for people whose lives are hanging by a thread, an unexpected refund may be all they need to pay for the deposit on a new apartment, buy decent food for their kids or fix a broken-down car that gets them to work.<br /><br />And that could be just enough for a family to survive another day, another week or a month, in hopes that things turn around soon.<br /><br />I was glad I answered the S.O.S. It reminded me again of why I work for <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Home_Page.php">United Way</a>.<br /><br />If you need help, <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/United_Way_2-1-1.php">click here</a> or simply dial 2-1-1.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Mary D'Ottavio works in Heart of Florida United Way's marketing department.</span></em>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-60847238806300409382010-02-15T08:32:00.000-08:002014-01-24T10:26:36.258-08:00EITC: "It was quick, easy and FREE!"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU-kpNHmAXUtfW8TVMW1Kd0jYWScVeqTTS6chONO3a8RAoDrPNs_o8unKvh0WqqlDCpOdAOaF6BVGB3TRPZbWj6GMbelI26sK2dN9RFK5emtu29v20t2Lp2pKNXRd6A1cjVvDet98HanW/s1600-h/EITC+Logo+w_description.jpg"><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU-kpNHmAXUtfW8TVMW1Kd0jYWScVeqTTS6chONO3a8RAoDrPNs_o8unKvh0WqqlDCpOdAOaF6BVGB3TRPZbWj6GMbelI26sK2dN9RFK5emtu29v20t2Lp2pKNXRd6A1cjVvDet98HanW/s200/EITC+Logo+w_description.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438510954561846242" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>’Tis the season to file your taxes! But that doesn’t mean it has to be a paperwork nightmare or even cost a penny to file. Oh—and how does an extra refund of up to $5,657 sound?<br />
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That’s what thousands of Central Floridians will be eligible to claim this year through the Earned Income Tax Credit—or EITC—which is credited with lifting more kids out of poverty than any other federal program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hfuw.org/">Heart of Florida United </a>Way has been helping promote awareness of the <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Earned_Income_Tax_Credit.php">EITC</a> program, which last year put $395 million back in the hands of low- to moderate-income families and individuals across our region. Money like that also provides a big boost to local businesses where EITC dollars are typically spent.<br />
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And claiming EITC is quick, <strong>FREE</strong> and easy. AARP and the IRS have provided more than <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Earned_Income_Tax_Credit_-_Tax_Sites">30 locations</a> within Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties where reliable, honest help is available at no cost to those who need it most.<br />
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We recently visited one of those locations at the Sanford Senior Center where people had been arriving to get their taxes filed since 8 a.m. WFTV Action 9 Reporter Todd Ulrich <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/HFUW#p/u/0/U1GA2ri7qzk">interviewed </a>Brittany Richards, United Way Community Investment Senior Manager, to spread awareness of the EITC benefits and free tax prep sites.<br />
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As the interview came to an end, I met a family whose husband earned just $13,000 in 2009. By claiming an EITC credit of $3,500, he boosted his overall refund to approximately $4,800. He signed the paperwork and even opened a free bank account on the spot so he could receive his refund even faster.<br />
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Later on he told us that last year he had gone to a paid tax prep site and spent several hundred dollars to have his taxes filed. It was a much better experience for him this year, which he stated in six simple words, “It was quick, easy and <strong>FREE</strong>!”<br />
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Just like that his tax season became a holiday instead of a hassle. So spread the word about EITC and the free tax prep sites. In these tough times, an extra $5,657 can make a huge difference to people who are struggling to make ends meet.<br />
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<em>Leo Vilenskiy is a UCF student and intern for United Way</em>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-66613049739492709892010-02-05T12:15:00.000-08:002010-04-01T07:53:30.954-07:00Making a Difference, One Call at a Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_QXfVHBkR8QZEO2YMs_Y1IGisR9id9QBqp7Mlf2LzaeCOkv8mlGWZGXYw49iOyGA0gwYScIwKrB-ZDAByazQKw352oDc5C3zjRFQtJbHuN6M_bMNgAAuCJlz7E9eGkv2TeJ3iQFJidGD/s1600-h/211+HFUW+Logo+287+12-08-09+v4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434856163399419906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_QXfVHBkR8QZEO2YMs_Y1IGisR9id9QBqp7Mlf2LzaeCOkv8mlGWZGXYw49iOyGA0gwYScIwKrB-ZDAByazQKw352oDc5C3zjRFQtJbHuN6M_bMNgAAuCJlz7E9eGkv2TeJ3iQFJidGD/s320/211+HFUW+Logo+287+12-08-09+v4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Where do I start?</em> New to United Way, I am amazed and frankly overwhelmed by all that they do for our community. These tough economic times are taking an enormous financial and even emotional toll on many Central Florida families, and United Way has certainly had its hands full.<br /><br />With so many impactful programs and events going on, one that really stands out to me in particular is the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline. With the new year recently underway, thousands of Central Floridians are asking the question of where to start when it comes to improving their lives in 2010. The search for new and improved beginnings can be tough, but for those who have recently lost their jobs, their homes or can’t afford to feed their kids, finding a solid starting point may seem impossible.<br /><br />That’s why I found 2-1-1 to be so amazing! It’s actually a one-stop spot for these people to find the answers they need, 24-hours a day. Last year, 2-1-1 operators helped nearly 120,000 callers connect with more than 2,000 programs offered by 800-plus local health and human service agencies.<br /><br />As the need of the Central Florida community continues to grow, 2-1-1 helps callers find assistance with food, housing, clothing, child care issues, physical and mental health services, elder services and more. 2-1-1 has also recently expanded to include a crisis and suicide counseling hotline for those in our community who are unable to cope with tough situations.<br /><br />Stay tuned as I learn more about the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline, as well as other ways United Way is making a difference in our community. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and remember that if you or someone you know needs help, simply dial 2-1-1 today!<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><em>Sarah Veal is a UCF student and intern for United Way</em></div>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-2843474044096981652010-01-22T14:13:00.000-08:002010-04-01T07:52:43.601-07:00Help Haiti Earthquake Victims the United Way<p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, most of us experienced a normal day. We went to work. We went to school. We saw our friends and family. We enjoyed dinner in the comfort of our own homes. However, while we did all this, tens of thousands of lives were lost as Haiti experienced the most powerful earthquake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years.<br /><br />The earthquake hit about 10 miles southwest of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, destroying as much as 70% of the infrastructure. Debris-filled roads are impeding emergency response and thousands of men, women and children are living in the streets without food or clean water.<br /><br />Time is so crucial for those in need and United Way needs your help! As search and recovery efforts end, the focus is shifting to relief efforts for helping survivors.<br /><br />Supporting the nation’s long-term recovery, the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund is focusing on the most pressing needs, including food, shelter, clothing and health care. It is also addressing extended efforts to rebuild schools, housing and infrastructure.<br /><br />Whether it is $5, $50, or $500, every contribution given will make a huge difference in this desperate time. A full 95% of every contribution will support efforts to rebuild the lives and structures that were devastated by the disaster.<br /><br />Donations to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund can be made to help those in Haiti in several quick and easy ways:<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><ul><li>By phone, text HAITI to 864833 (UNITED) to make a $5 donation, or call toll-free at 1-866-404-5826 </li><li>Contribute online at </span><a href="http://www.liveunited.org/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">www.liveunited.org</span></a> </li><li><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Mail checks to United Way with the memo line reading “United Way Disaster Recovery Fund” to:<br />United Way Worldwide<br />P.O. Box 630569<br />Baltimore, MD 21263-0568 </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">For more information about the long-term recovery effort in Haiti or about United Way Worldwide initiatives, please visit </span><a href="http://www.unitedway.org/worldwide"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">www.unitedway.org/worldwide</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">. </span></p>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-9003447474090371692010-01-14T12:33:00.000-08:002010-04-01T07:57:06.138-07:00One Million Steps for Kids and Counting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpeRBQrSeGsQ-_cZHVSzciaXUtMES16JXZ3Nc5l0oaKTI7fl4ZB258Tk4ciTgbJm1A8rBcU16FtzpI3t9SPJEe5_t1FU_XXqiTgyBGwJM-g2ilYhTGvY-VMmRPmgN5ZWeP8db3WJM5qk9/s1600-h/Bud+Chiles+Walk+098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426700550395958402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpeRBQrSeGsQ-_cZHVSzciaXUtMES16JXZ3Nc5l0oaKTI7fl4ZB258Tk4ciTgbJm1A8rBcU16FtzpI3t9SPJEe5_t1FU_XXqiTgyBGwJM-g2ilYhTGvY-VMmRPmgN5ZWeP8db3WJM5qk9/s320/Bud+Chiles+Walk+098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wow! What a great morning. Had a chance to take part in the <a href="http://www.worsttofirst.org/The-Walk"><u>One Million Steps Walk</u> </a>for Florida’s Kids, led by Bud Chiles, who’s on a mission to raise awareness and funding for programs that benefit kids – and ultimately the future of our state.<br /><br />As the son of the late Florida Governor <u><a href="http://www.lawtonchiles.org/bio.html">Lawton “Walkin” Chiles</a></u>, Bud is literally following in the footsteps of his dad, a great public servant and child advocate who won support for his 1970 Senate campaign by walking 1,000-plus miles across the state to talk with voters.<br /><br />Since Lawton’s death in 1998, Florida has made little progress in improving its national ranking ­­– currently 49th ­ – on issues related to children’s education, health, welfare and safety.<br /><br />Hence the purpose of the <a href="http://www.worsttofirst.org/#frameh=304">Worst to First</a> campaign. As Bud Chiles travels the state, he’s collecting signatures and pledges of support and calling on legislators to make kids’ issues a top priority.<br /><br /><u><a href="http://www.hfuw.org/">Heart of Florida United Way</a></u>, which has identified <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=Investing_in_Results"><em>Developing Healthy Children & Families</em></a> as one of its four focus areas, was pleased help organize support the local walk, which started the <u><a href="http://www.orlandodaynursery.org/">Orlando Day Nursery</a></u> and continued around Lake Dot.<br /><br />Joining us on the stroll were local child advocates from several organizations, as well as about 50 beautiful kids from the nursery who stole our hearts and really highlighted why this work is so important.<br /><br />Note to self: See if Orlando Day Nursery needs volunteers.<br /><br />Note to you: <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=IIR_Healthy_Children_and_Families"><u>Click here</u> </a>to learn more, including what United Way is doing to help improve the health and lives of Central Florida’s kids. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em>Mary D'Ottavio works in Heart of Florida United Way's marketing department.</em></div>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-25032160890602691582009-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:002014-01-24T10:26:58.701-08:00“I Never Thought We’d Be the Ones Needing Help”<br /><object height="240" width="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r0B3VtlZ4xY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r0B3VtlZ4xY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="360" height="240"></embed></object><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />Every now and then we have a chance to follow up with people who’ve been helped through <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/United_Way_2-1-1.php">2-1-1</a> and other <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/Give_or_Get_Help.php">United Way programs</a>. It’s always amazing to hear their stories and see how just a little help at the right time can make a tremendous difference.<br /><br />Take Pam for instance. She’s a local mom with four kids who looked familiar when we recently met at her house. Grateful for the help she received, she graciously agreed to share her story in hope that it might inspire others to give.<br /><br />This time last year Pam and her husband, Tom, were both employed and doing well. But as the economic crisis worsened, the restaurant she helped manage shut down, and Tom’s hours as a traffic safety specialist were sharply reduced. Before long, they had exhausted their savings and couldn’t pay their bills.<br /><br />Facing hunger, the loss of electricity – and even her home – Pam dialed 2-1-1 where she found timely assistance that helped the family stabilize their situation.<br /><br />As she told her story, I realized why Pam looked familiar. She was the friendly, upbeat woman who always greeted my husband and me at our favorite breakfast place in MetroWest. When the café closed last summer, we were sorry for the owner and staff who’d worked so hard to keep it going.<br /><br />Sitting in Pam’s comfortable living room, meeting her kids and hearing her story drove home the realization that none of us – no matter how secure we think we are – are immune to what’s happening today. Regardless of income, employment history or savings, people are losing everything they’ve worked a lifetime to achieve.<br /><br />It also made me realize how important <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/index.php?pr=NL_Dec_09_Campaign">United Way’s Campaign</a> is for thousands of Central Floridians like Pam who are struggling to survive. We often state that campaign contributions help more than 364,000 Central Floridians each year, but meeting just one of them changed my perspective.<br /><br />This time next year, it could be me, my spouse or one of my kids needing help. We just don’t know – nor can we plan – for every unexpected crisis. Pam's words stay with me:<br /><br />“I’ve always tried to live well and help others, but I never thought we’d be the ones needing help. We’re just deeply grateful for the assistance we received.”<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size: 85%;">Mary D’Ottavio works in Heart of Florida United Way’s Communications Department.</span></em><br /><a href="https://secure.hfuw.org/epledge/UserRegistrationNE.jsp">Donate now</a> to make an immediate donation to help people in need. Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-36124861585837358202009-12-02T08:40:00.001-08:002014-01-24T10:31:02.442-08:00Moving Volunteerism Up on the "To Do" List<div align="left">
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<em><span style="font-size: 85%;">by Juwon Ajayi </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></em>For the longest time, volunteering was just another item on my “to do” list. You know which list I’m talking about; the list that also has ‘clean out garage’ and ‘finish reading The Road’ on it. Anyway, I had every intention of doing it. Eventually. When things stopped getting in the way. Like Glee and Fantasy Football.<br />
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Honestly, I never thought about the impact one person’s volunteering could have. Then I heard about a great event – United Way Days of Caring – that brings volunteers together from all across Central Florida to help local nonprofit agencies (which by the way are really hurting right now because so many people need help).<br />
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In September, more than 1,600 volunteers – everybody from Disney employees and banking executives to Lockheed engineers and UCF sorority sisters – rolled up their sleeves and pitched in. Before it was all over, 8,881 volunteer hours were donated, 61 projects were completed and 26 United Way partner agencies received much-needed help. Not too shabby, right?<br />
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More than 900 Lockheed Martin volunteers completed the final and largest project on Oct. 24. Held at <a href="http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_orlando.nsf">The Salvation Army of Orange County</a>, the project gave new meaning to the phrase “power in numbers.” Outside, 1,575 bags of mulch, 1,100 new plants, new benches and playground improvements helped spruce up the grounds. Inside, employees painted rooms, installed handrails for wheelchair ramps and much more.<br />
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Erin Kuykendall, an AT&T compensation manager who coordinated her company’s ‘Fun Day’ project at the <a href="http://www.cfdfl.com/">Center for Drug Free Living</a>, described the experience as “a chicken soup for the soul day.” In addition to collecting and distributing toiletries and other items for residents, employees hosted a catered barbecue lunch, games and karaoke contests. Erin said her group is already planning a follow-up project to keep in touch with the new friends they made.<br />
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Other Days of Caring projects included fitness activities at local <a href="http://www.bgccf.org/">Boys & Girls Clubs</a>; a party for seniors at the <a href="http://www.osceolagenerations.org/">Osceola Council on Aging</a>; senior Olympics at Guardian Care Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; building a wheelchair ramp at the Center for Independent Living; and painting a ranger’s house for the <a href="http://www.citrus-gs.org/">Girl Scouts of Citrus Council</a>.<br />
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In addition to Disney, Lockheed, UCF and AT&T, other organizations taking part included Adventist Health Systems, Publix Super Markets, Liberty Mutual, Coca-Cola, Fifth Third Bank and nearly 40 others that understand the importance of giving back.<br />
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The impact of volunteerism is undeniable. “We look forward to United Way Days of Caring every year,” said Judy Nelson, Executive Director of the <a href="http://winterparkdaynursery.org/">Winter Park Day Nursery</a>. “Due to labor costs, there are so many things our children and the organization need throughout the year that we are unable to provide. When the children see these volunteers working hard for them, to make their Nursery look so nice, it gives them pride.”<br />
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If that’s not a reason to move volunteering to the top of my “to do” list, I don’t know what is.<br />
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For information about how to get involved, contact Heart of Florida United Way at (407) 835-0900 or visit <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/">http://www.hfuw.org/</a>.<br />
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<em>Juwon Ajayi is a Rollins College student and United Way volunteer.</em></div>
Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-8529033135566145702009-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:002009-11-11T12:03:28.108-08:00Community Volunteers LIVE UNITED to Make a Difference<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P4SJ59tivfa0LzczObSWAovr3-sivpEhxbs3dlz5ukCe8llLRwVnKL4tjYm8kIFHJsoJ6a9vmluj9EhH1eOHijfIb1k84KQmMx8ewxZLqTCVTGj87Dj54WLI3OJ3DxOiwZP6tuOhjRq6/s1600-h/Images_DOA_Gallery_0000s_0000_Layer+25.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402939091152054306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P4SJ59tivfa0LzczObSWAovr3-sivpEhxbs3dlz5ukCe8llLRwVnKL4tjYm8kIFHJsoJ6a9vmluj9EhH1eOHijfIb1k84KQmMx8ewxZLqTCVTGj87Dj54WLI3OJ3DxOiwZP6tuOhjRq6/s320/Images_DOA_Gallery_0000s_0000_Layer+25.jpg" border="0" /></a>Partnering with local community groups, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) recently hosted a volunteer project to spruce up the home of Ruby B. Johnson, a 91-year-old Parramore resident known as "Mother" for her lifelong dedication to helping local children and others.<br /><p>Coordinated by the United Way Volunteer Resource Center (VRC), the project included painting, landscaping and home repairs. Work was completed by more than 70 volunteers from The Gathering, a local mentoring organization that helps young men make positive life choices, and other community groups.</p><br /><p>Additional partners included the City of Orlando's Keep Orlando Beautiful, the Orlando Police Department Neighborhood Watch Unit, Behr Paint, Duke Construction, Tradebank and Yellow Dog Construction. </p><br /><p>"I feel blessed that so many people came together to help," said Johnson. "I've lived on this block for a long time and have seen much change. I'm grateful that United Way and The Gathering are helping bring my community together." </p><br /><p>"Strong support for the project, held in conjunction with United Way of America's national Day of Action, reflects HFUW's commitment to increasing volunteerism," said Lorri Highet, United Way VRC Director. It also supports one of United Way's focus areas, which is seeking new solutions for preventing crime, particularly youth crime. </p><br /><p>Over the past year, businesses and groups of all size have called on the VRC to help plan meaningful projects that serve people in need, boost team morale and provide great opportunities for giving back. </p><br /><p>If your business or organization would like to plan a volunteer project, contact Lorri Highet, United Way VRC Director, at (407) 849-2373, or e-mail <a href="mailto:Lorri.Highet@hfuw.org" mce_serialized="2" mce_href="mailto:Lorri.Highet@hfuw.org">Lorri.Highet@hfuw.org</a>.</p>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-12287101191873351422009-11-10T10:02:00.000-08:002009-11-10T13:38:15.089-08:00UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES GRANT AWARDS FOR TWO INVESTMENT<p>Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) today announced the first round of funding awards under the organization’s new grant-making model, Investing in Results. Eleven programs will receive $1.3 million for programs that support two of the organization’s new focus areas - Building Safe Communities and Improving Financial Stability. When combined with more than $8 million in grants, which were awarded earlier this year to nearly 100 local programs, United Way has awarded nearly $9.3 million this year.</p><p>Programs funded under Building Safe Communities and the agency that administers them include:</p><ul><li>A.C.C.E.S.S. (All Children Can Excel, Shine, and Succeed) – After School Programs, Inc.</li><li>Delinquency Prevention Initiative – Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Inc. (Osceola Branch)</li><li>New Horizons – The Center for Drug-Free Living, Inc.</li><li>Children in Need of Services and Families in Need of Services – Children’s Home Society of Florida, Central Florida Division</li><li>Parent Neighborhood Watch Program – Federation of Congregations United to Serve, Inc. (FOCUS)</li></ul><p>Programs funded under Improving Financial Stability and the agency that administers them include:</p><ul><li>Parenting Skills-Building Classes - BETA Center, Inc.</li><li>Pathways to Home - Community Based Care of Seminole, Inc.</li><li>Partners for Financial Stability - Consumer Credit Counseling Service</li><li>Financial Literacy for Girls - Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Inc.</li><li>Family Stabilization - Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando</li><li>Osceola Financial Pathways - Osceola Council on Aging, Inc.</li></ul><p>“With this funding, our organization will expand programs and services and help people in targeted economically challenged areas,” said Rick Skaggs, president of grant recipient Consumer Credit Counseling Service. “We will provide counseling and services related to budget, money management, credit and housing – financial areas that United Way Announces Grant Awards for Two Investment Areas… are putting a strain on the well-being of families. We’re excited about our growing role as a United Way and community partner.”</p><p><strong>The Process</strong><br />The 11 programs chosen to receive grants were selected on their ability to create measurable, community-level change, in two of HFUW’s new focus areas: Building Safe Communities and Improving Financial Stability.</p><p>Nearly two dozen local issue experts serving on volunteer cabinets spent more than 600 hours researching and reviewing 83 applications submitted by local agencies – 2,000 of which were initially invited to participate in the process.</p><p>The Building Safe Communities Cabinet was tasked with finding evidence-based solutions for reducing crime – especially youth crime – and reviewed programs that address such things as school achievement, high-school graduation rates, youth mentoring, after-school programs and other factors that influence teens’ success.</p><p>“This approach is a departure from the way many human service organizations have historically operated, but it represents an investment in results that will serve local individuals and families well,” said Dr. Laurie Joyner, Dean of Faculty for Rollins College, and chair of the Building Safe Communities Cabinet.</p><p>The Improving Financial Stability Cabinet focused on addressing new solutions for growing poverty in Central Florida and improving low income resident’s access to financial resources. Mark A. Jones, President of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and Chair of the Improving Financial Stability Cabinet, explained new solutions are critically needed to help families improve their financial strength and resources.</p><p>“Now more than ever, it’s important to help people build a solid future by offering financial education and tools for building assets and employment,” Jones said. “In addition to providing emergency assistance after job loss, foreclosure or other crises, these programs will help people develop the financial knowledge, support and resources they need to prevent problems from happening in the first place.”</p><p><strong>Moving Forward<br /></strong>Investing in Results will roll out over the next five years until virtually all United Way partner agency programs are funded through a competitive grant process. Building Safe Communities and Improving Financial Stability were the first two focus areas to begin moving in this direction.<br /><br />United Way’s two other areas of focus are Developing Healthy Children and Families and Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness. Depending on available funding, which will be determined in part by the organization’s current fundraising campaign, the application process for Developing Healthy Children and Families will likely United Way Announces Grant Awards for Two Investment Areas… occur in mid 2010. To address Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness, the organization is partnering with the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, which is already working on a 10-year plan to end homelessness.</p><p>By providing administrative, fundraising, marketing and other support to the Commission, United Way has established a model for other partnerships that will evolve as Investing in Results unfolds.</p><p>“Investing in Results is about focusing,” said Ed Timberlake, chair of the Investing in Results Council and Chairman of the Central Florida Board for Seaside National Bank & Trust. The Council, comprised of civic leaders, academics, issue experts and others, has been working for the past three years to guide United Way’s transition to the new prevention-based, grant-making model.</p><p>“It’s difficult to change community conditions when you’re spread a mile wide and an inch deep,” Timberlake said.</p><p>“That’s why we’re focusing resources and attention in these investment areas, which were identified by a broad cross-section of our community through rigorous research.”</p><p>The new model also enables United Way to attract and leverage additional resources such as local, state and national grants and funds, which the community hasn’t been positioned to pursue in the past. “Ultimately, Investing in Results allows United Way to develop new resources and a portfolio of prevention-based programs that, collectively, can move the needle on some of our region’s greatest problems,” Timberlake said.</p><p>For more information about Heart of Florida United Way or Investing in Results, visit www.hfuw.org or call 407- 835-0900.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>About Heart of Florida United Way</strong><br />Heart of Florida United Way is Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services charity and the largest provider of funds to the region’s most critical health and human service programs. The organization partners with local businesses, government, other charities and individuals to increase awareness of local health and human service issues and to inspire hope, provide options, and create possibilities for the people in our community. HFUW also operates United Way 2-1-1, Central Florida’s community information and referral helpline; a Volunteer Resource Center; a Gifts In Kind Center; a Stewardship program that works with agencies to provide emergency assistance; and the Ryan White Part B program, which administers nearly $2 million to much needed HIV/AIDS services and referrals. The organization impacts more people annually than any other charity operating in the tri-county area. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.hfuw.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.hfuw.org</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></p>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-79189673380384513982009-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:002009-11-10T09:59:39.560-08:00UNITED WAY KICKS OFF 2009-10 CAMPAIGN<p><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTy5g8wq-ap8OMYgfEvSsn-HOQgkyNQ4SqCf5QlleP_MqiE9IOLXwKyg8-EARZ-kJQYPFWQepnk3py8VSRh7zp3VaaRTvBL_z6R0NKyDj70X-szw9nLgcWrzjNDqIgZyijNGBmnPFr7sI/s1600-h/Images_KO_09_Des_Crotty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402536100693068114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTy5g8wq-ap8OMYgfEvSsn-HOQgkyNQ4SqCf5QlleP_MqiE9IOLXwKyg8-EARZ-kJQYPFWQepnk3py8VSRh7zp3VaaRTvBL_z6R0NKyDj70X-szw9nLgcWrzjNDqIgZyijNGBmnPFr7sI/s320/Images_KO_09_Des_Crotty.jpg" border="0" /></a>Campaign Chair Des Cummings Jr. Announces $18 Million Fundraising Goal </em></strong></p><br /><p>With strong support from the local business community, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) kicked off its 2009-10 community campaign, chaired by Des Cummings Jr., Executive Vice President of Business Development for Florida Hospital and the Florida Division of Adventist Health System. A campaign goal of $18 million was announced during the event, attended by nearly 400 business executives.</p><br /><p>With thousands of local residents unable to pay for the most basic needs due to the ongoing economic crisis, Cummings said this is a time for compassionate and courageous leadership. “The great heart of this community exists because we’ve always come together to divide sorrow and multiply joy,” he said. </p><br /><p>“With so many of our neighbors struggling, it’s time to step up, not down.”</p><br /><p>During the program, UPS Central Florida District, which launched its 2009-10 campaign with 686 fewer employees, presented a check for $557,134 – representing a significant increase over last year’s results.</p><br /><p>Citing this success, Cummings urged other companies to follow UPS’ example in setting generous, ambitious fundraising goals.</p><br /><p>In his keynote address, Alex Martins, Chief Operating Officer for the Orlando Magic, discussed the importance of teamwork in sports, business and in building a stronger community. “It takes all segments of the community working together to create a brighter future, and United Way is leading the way,” Martins said.</p><br /><p>Last year’s campaign, chaired by Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, raised $17.8 million to help fund nearly 120 local health and human service programs provided by nonprofit agencies such as Coalition for the Homeless, Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank, BETA Center and many other well-known organizations. Dollars raised by the campaign help improve the lives of one-in-five Central Floridians.</p><br /><p>“Right now, nearly all of us know someone who didn’t expect to lose their job, or their home, but they did – and it’s still happening every day,” said United Way President/CEO Robert H. (Bob) Brown. “That’s why this year’s campaign is so critical. We must be able to extend a hand to help people from losing everything they’ve worked a lifetime to achieve.”</p><br /><p>To get involved or to learn more about Heart of Florida United Way, visit www.hfuw.org or call<br />407-835-0900.</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>About Heart of Florida United Way</strong><br />Heart of Florida United Way is Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services charity and the largest provider of funds to the region’s most critical health and human service programs. The organization partners with local businesses, government, other charities and individuals to increase awareness of local health and human service issues and to inspire hope, provide options, and create possibilities for the people in our community. HFUW also operates United Way 2-1-1, Central Florida’s community information and referral helpline; a Volunteer Resource Center; a Gifts In Kind Center; a Stewardship program that works with agencies to provide emergency assistance; and the Ryan White Part B program, which administers nearly $2 million to much needed HIV/AIDS services and referrals. The organization impacts more people annually than any other charity operating in the tri-county area. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.hfuw.org/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.hfuw.org</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></p><br /><div></div>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-7915003916819830272009-06-08T13:11:00.000-07:002014-01-24T10:29:03.206-08:00HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY RAISES MORE THAN $170,000 FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN NEED DURING 17TH ANNUAL CHEF’S GALA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XRFOECH235pyH845cKX9aCk2hwefZC_V0CX3Vs2ydgjHxD_05Tbm-pIP8MA9lRTzdM_kRPJa8BLIvEA5JQzyKficHYy7CMX-Xg7y4RqE6kO_edAd72aspzbH4JBJ5nTAPzgJxIuQ0Ymp/s1600-h/09ChefGala-104.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XRFOECH235pyH845cKX9aCk2hwefZC_V0CX3Vs2ydgjHxD_05Tbm-pIP8MA9lRTzdM_kRPJa8BLIvEA5JQzyKficHYy7CMX-Xg7y4RqE6kO_edAd72aspzbH4JBJ5nTAPzgJxIuQ0Ymp/s320/09ChefGala-104.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345052914025365698" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 93px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 250px;" /></a>ORLANDO, FL (June 8, 2009) – More than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs from the finest dining establishments joined together for the 17th Annual Chef’s Gala benefiting Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) on Saturday, May 30 at Epcot® World Showplace. The event featured extraordinary food, fine wines, live music and a dazzling silent auction. More than 900 guests enjoyed the evening, which generated more than $170,000 to benefit local non-profit programs supported by United Way.<br /><br />
“Chef’s Gala 2009 was a success by every measure,” stated Robert H. (Bob) Brown, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Business and community volunteers rallied together to ensure the event’s success, not only because they believe in United Way, but also to help address our community’s great and growing need. We sincerely appreciate their support.”<br /><br />Now in its 17th year, Chef’s Gala has grown to become Central Florida’s premiere fine dining and wine pairing charity event. The following establishments participated in Chef’s Gala 2009:<br />
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Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge<br />The Capital Grille<br />Cítricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa<br />Fiorella’s Cucina Toscana at Westin Imagine<br />Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort<br />Funky Monkey Wine Company<br />The Garden Grill at Epcot®<br />Greenside’s Restaurant at Harmony Golf Preserve<br />The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™<br />Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort<br />NORMAN’S at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando<br />Primo at Grande Lakes Orlando<br />Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant<br />Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge<br />Todd English’s bluezoo<br />Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at MAGIC KINGDOM® Park<br />Tusker House Restaurant at DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park<br />Urban Flats® Flatbread and Wine Co.<br />The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort<br />American Brownie Co.<br />Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ Bakery<br />Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Bakery<br />Royal Plaza Hotel<br />Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company<br />Volcano’s Coffee Bar & Roastery<br />
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In addition to offering Central Floridians a unique food and wine experience, Chef’s Gala also helps provide critical assistance to the nearly 200 local health and human service programs supported by Heart of Florida United Way.<br />
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Funds raised at Chef’s Gala help serve more than 376,000 people in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.<br />
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WALT DISNEY WORLD® has served as host and sponsor of the event since its inception. Through Disney’s outstanding support, more than $1 million dollars have been raised for programs that serve the most vulnerable Central Floridians. Other 2009 sponsors included: Bright House Networks, OUC–The Reliable One, Harriett & Hy Lake, Smart City, Baker & Hostetler LLP, Deloitte, Fifth Third Bank, General Dynamics, JCPenney, L3Communications, Progress Energy, University of Central Florida, UPS, WFTV 9 FAMILY CONNECTION, Orlando Home & Leisure, Orlando Magazine, Orange Appeal, Winter Park Magazine, Smooth 103.1 WLOQ, Perfect Sky Productions and Pixel 1080.<br />
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The event co–chairs for the third year in a row were Chris Fenger, President of Bright House Networks Central Florida Division, and Roseann Harrington, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Community Relations for OUC–The Reliable One.<br />
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For more information about Chef’s Gala and Heart of Florida United Way, please visit www.hfuw.org or call 407-835-0900.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-29489909241793371672009-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:002009-06-08T10:03:39.077-07:00HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY ELECTS DISNEY EXECUTIVE TO THE 2009-10 BOARD OF DIRECTORSORLANDO, Fla. (June 4, 2009) – Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) has elected Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President of Sports Enterprises for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, to the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. This election brings the total number of community representatives on the board to 34.<br /><br />Potrock leads Disney Sports Enterprises, which is responsible for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts involvement in all sports efforts globally, including business leadership of Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. He joined the company in 1996 as Vice President of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line and then transitioned to head up Global Alliance Marketing for the company’s Parks & Resorts division.<br /><br />“Ken’s experience in business operations and marketing will be a valued asset to our organization,” said HFUW President/CEO Robert H. (Bob) Brown. “Disney’s commitment to the community is well-known, and we are grateful for their guidance and leadership on our board.” The Walt Disney World Resort is the largest corporate contributor to HFUW. For the 2008-09 campaign, the company raised $3.2 million, and has been the host and sponsor of HFUW’s largest fundraiser, Chef’s Gala, for the past 17 years.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-56482497839196734332009-05-26T13:11:00.000-07:002009-05-26T13:13:36.546-07:00Heart of Florida United Way Responds to Continuing Community Crisis - Launches Basic Needs Campaign with Support from Dr. Phillips CharitiesORLANDO, Fla. (May 20, 2009) – Heart of Florida United Way, in partnership with Dr. Phillips<br />Charities, has announced the launch of a temporary Basic Needs Campaign to provide immediate<br />financial assistance to Central Floridians who are struggling to pay for food, rent, utilities and ther life necessities.<br /><br />The campaign, established with grants totaling nearly $350,000 from Dr. Phillips Charities and Bank of America is being administered by the United Way Stewardship Program, which provides emergency assistance to local residents at risk for hunger, homelessness and other critical problems. The United Way Board of Directors approved a move that will allow United Way to tap reserve funds to cover all administrative expenses of the fund, thereby ensuring that all grant dollars will go directly to help people in need. Any additional dollars raised will also be used to help those in crisis.<br /><br />Those needing assistance can receive help by calling the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline – a free, 24-hour per day information and referral service. Those who are qualified will be assigned a temporary case manager who will expedite financial assistance through this Basic Needs Campaign Fund.<br /><br />“Working closely with United Way 2-1-1 and many local agencies, we recognized both the escalating need and the inability to meet that need during this economic crisis,” said Robert L. Mellen III, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, Dr. P. Phillips Foundation and Dr. Phillips, Inc. “That’s why Dr. Phillips Charities is proud to partner with United Way in establishing a temporary basic needs fund to provide immediate relief to Central Floridians in crisis. We are also pleased to offer it in the form of a matching grant to encourage others in the community to respond at this critical time.”<br /><br />“This Basic Needs campaign represents a temporary response to an unprecedented situation,” said United Way President/CEO Robert H. (Bob) Brown. “The ongoing economic challenges have placed a tremendous burden on many in our community, including local nonprofit agencies that are being called on to provide significantly more services. All are doing tremendous work, but the system is simply not designed to handle current levels.”<br /><br />Dr. Phillips Charities is offering a grant of nearly $300,000, which includes $98,100 in start up funds and a challenge grant of nearly $200,000 which will require matching funds. Dr. Phillips Charities is one of the region’s largest philanthropic organizations, which has awarded more than $23 million to local nonprofits over the past three years.<br /><br />One of the first businesses announced to join the effort is Bank of America, which contributed $50,000 which will be matched. “Many of our neighbors and nonprofit organizations are challenged like never before and Bank of America’s strategy of providing meaningful and relevant support to the communities we serve has never been more important,” said John Moskos, Central Florida president, Bank of America. “United Way’s leadership in creating the Basic Needs Campaign is exactly the right partnership to help deliver much-needed support to the three-county area. We’re especially pleased 100% of all donations will help some of our communities’ most impacted citizens.” Other funders are expected to be announced soon.<br /><br />It is estimated that grant dollars will provide help to an additional 1,350 families over the next five months. Agencies that currently provide family emergency funds, but have exhausted their resources can also access the dollars.<br /><br />People seeking immediate assistance are urged to call the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline. Last year was the busiest year ever for 2-1-1 – more than 115,000 calls were received – with utility, food and rent assistance ranking as the top three reasons people called.<br /><br />If you wish to donate the Basic Needs Campaign, please log onto www.hfuw.org and click on Basic Needs Assistance, or if you know someone who needs help, simply dial 2-1-1.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-48412637113685855712009-05-04T14:04:00.000-07:002009-05-04T14:08:03.609-07:00UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS LAST YEAR AND RAISES $17,818,000<p>ORLANDO, Fla. (May 4, 2009) – Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) announced that the organization raised $17.818 million during the 2008-09 annual campaign, beating last year’s amount by $61,000. The unveiling took place at the organization’s annual LIVE UNITED Celebration (formerly known as the Victory Celebration). More than 450 Central Florida businesses ran workplace campaigns, organized fundraising events and hosted golf tournaments to help HFUW attain this result. Many were honored for outstanding workplace campaigns.</p><p>The 2008-09 fundraising campaign recorded the fourth consecutive year of increases. “Given the challenging economy, this campaign success demonstrates that our community really cares about their neighbors in need,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, president and CEO of HFUW. “It also shows that our community sees United Way as an efficient, effective means to an end – improving life for thousands of Central Floridians.”</p><p>During the luncheon attended by nearly 450 business and community leaders, HFUW recognized 22 businesses and 18 individuals for their campaign successes. The Spirit Award recognized businesses that ran inspiring workplace campaigns by invoking the spirit of community and putting the “fun” in fundraising. JBT Aerotech was singled out among 10 other nominees.</p><p>The Million Dollar Champions Award was given to the three top giving organizations for raising more than $1 million during the 2008-09 annual campaign. Walt Disney World Resort raised $3,200,000; Publix Super Markets, Inc. raised $2,337,071; and Lockheed Martin Corporation raised $1,100,326 – all increasing their contributions over last year’s campaign. </p><p>The Community Pillar Award recognized companies that for the first time raised more than $100,000 or more. There were 29 companies that raised more than $100,000, but JCPenney and Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. were recognized for crossing this threshold for the first time.</p><p>The Exceptional Employee Campaign Manager Award recognized employees who went the extra mile in managing their companies’ workplace giving campaign. Jennifer Dirscherl, manager of community relations and employee events for SeaWorld Aquatica Discovery Cove, was singled out among eight other nominees.</p><p>The Phenomenal Executive Champion Award recognized those who demonstrated extraordinary initiative and led by example in guiding their organization’s workplace campaign. </p><p>Nominees exemplified the LIVE UNITED philosophy that it takes all of us working together to solve problems and bring about lasting change. Ajit Lalchandani, administrator for Orange County Government, was singled out among eight other nominees.</p><p>Finally, the Chairman’s Award recognized companies that achieved outstanding campaign results by following best practices for their fundraising efforts. These companies were hand selected by Campaign Chair Richard T. Crotty, mayor of Orange County. UPS was singled out among eight other nominees. </p><p>“When I agreed last fall to Chair the 2008-09 United Way Campaign, I knew I was taking on a big challenge with a faltering economy, rising unemployment and home foreclosures hitting anall-time high,” said Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty. “But, I’m very passionate about our community and firmly believe that a strong United Way is critical to the health and vitality of Central Florida. The success of this recent campaign couldn’t have been accomplished without the dedication of so many people who believe deeply in contributing to the greater good of our community.”</p><p>This annual tradition of community support and celebration in Central Florida dates back to 1939. Originally called “Community Chest”, Heart of Florida United Way has been helping the most vulnerable among us for 70 years. Monies raised by Central Florida businesses through the annual campaign help to provide critical assistance to the nearly 200 local health and human service programs. Funds raised through last year’s campaign helped serve more than 372,000 people in need throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.</p><p>For more information about the LIVE UNITED Celebration, a complete list of honorees and about Heart of Florida United Way, please visit www.hfuw.org.<br /></p>Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-30106521067409694642009-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:002009-05-04T07:42:33.607-07:00HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY ELECTS THREE PROMINENT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN TO THE 2009-10 BOARD DIRECTORSORLANDO, Fla. (April 23, 2009) – Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) has announced the election of Karen Dee, President & CEO of Fifth Third Bank; Chief Val Demings, Chief of Police for the City of Orlando; and Carol Wick, CEO of Harbor House to the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. These elections bring the total number of community representatives on the HFUW Board of Directors to 33.<br /><br />Dee was named President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Central Florida) in December 2008. After joining the company in 2006, she was quickly promoted to head of Retail Banking just three months later. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bank, her entire career had been with Wachovia Bank in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, where her community involvement included participation on the Board of Directors for United Way of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Partnership, University of South Florida Foundation, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.<br /><br />In December 2007, Chief Demings was named the Chief of Police for the City of Orlando, having<br />served on the force for nearly 23 years during which she helped command nearly every division. Her community involvement beyond her role as Chief of Police encompasses youth mentoring as founder of Operation Positive Direction and serving for numerous community and civic organizations, such as Chairman and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Police Athletic League; volunteer with the YMCA Achievers Program; advisory board member for Orange County Family Services Program and member of the Regional Commission on Homelessness – just to name a few.<br /><br />Wick assumed the role of CEO of Harbor House, the Orange County Center Against Domestic Violence and the county’s only certified Domestic Violence Shelter and United Way partner agency, in 2006. She has extensive experience working not only in the field of women’s issues, but in child abuse and domestic violence. In the past 17 years, she has worked on various women’s and children’s issues such as the National Council on Crime and Delinquency study on the status of girls in prison, best practices in gender responsive programming and quality assurance in the juvenile justice system.<br /><br />“The election on Karen, Val and Carol further strengthens the leadership representation on our Board of Directors,” said Robert H. Brown, HFUW President & CEO. “Each already play an instrumental role as outstanding leaders in our community. Both their passion for the community and professional expertise comes at a very important time for Central Florida as United Way continues our transition to Investing in Results.”<br /><br />For more information about Heart of Florida United Way, call 407-835-0900 or visit <a href="http://www.hfuw.org/">http://www.hfuw.org/</a>.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982353132404444179.post-53803651439308510322009-04-09T07:49:00.000-07:002014-01-24T10:24:30.880-08:00UNITED WAY OPENS COMPETITIVE GRANT OPPORTUNITYHeart of Florida United Way (HFUW) has officially transitioned to its new business model called Investing in Results (IIR). The organization will now focus its efforts on addressing the root causes of complex community problems as identified by a comprehensive community study conducted last year. Today HFUW opened the competitive funding process for the first of four new focus areas that residents deemed most critical and urgent to address, Building Safe Communities.<br />
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Investing in Results is a new and expanded way for HFUW to address the growing health and human service needs in Central Florida. For nearly 70 years, the organization has supported programs that have helped improve the lives of millions of local residents. HFUW is now building on that legacy to create new and lasting solutions. Success will be measured by lives improved and positive changes in community conditions such as the number of children ready for high school graduation or the reduction of crime in our communities – just to name a few.<br />
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“Investing in Results is about focusing,” said Ed Timberlake, chair of the Investing in Results Council and Chairman of the Central Florida Board for Seaside National Bank & Trust. “It’s difficult to change community conditions when you’re spread a mile wide and inch deep. That’s why we’re focused on moving the needle in four investment areas, which were identified by a broad cross-section of our community through rigorous research.” These areas include:<br />
• Building Safe Communities<br />
• Improving Financial Stability<br />
• Developing Healthy Children and Families<br />
• Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness<br />
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<b>United Way Opens Competitive Grant Opportunity of More Than $1 Million to Qualified</b><br />
<b>Community Organizations</b> The Building Safe Communities investment area will focus on crime and unsafe neighborhoods, which were two concerns identified by HFUW’s comprehensive 2008 Tri-County Needs Assessment. HFUW is targeting projects that focus on prevention by addressing the root causes of crime and violence and those that have measurable impact on public safety at the community level, such as youth violence, youth crime, truancy and drop-out rates.<br />
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“We do not intend to provide protection against or respond to actual crimes. This is obviously the realm of our local police,” stated Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President and CEO of HFUW. “However, through this competitive funding process, we plan on collaborating with law enforcement as well as other community organizations that focus on crime prevention to create safer more cohesive communities.”<br />
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<b>The Building Safe Communities RFP Process</b><br />
The first stage of the competitive funding process for Building Safe Communities is open from April 8 through 22. Those organizations/programs interested in applying for a grant can view the parameters of the application at www.hfuw.org/Investing_in_Results.php. From there, they are encouraged to take the first step and submit a Letter of Interest (LOI).<br />
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This process is being overseen by volunteers, all issue experts and community leaders, who will review applications and make funding recommendations to the HFUW Board of Directors. The award recipients will be notified and announced in late September, after final approval by the HFUW board of directors.<br />
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HFUW’s full move to Investing in Results will occur over the next three to five years with a gradual transition whereby nearly all of the organization’s partner agencies will participate in the competitive funding process. The remaining two investment areas will be rolled out one at a time to ensure smooth execution and maximum impact: Improving Financial Stability in May 2009 and Developing Healthy Children & Families in early 2010.<br />
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To address Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness, United Way is partnering with the Central Florida Regional Commission on Homelessness, which is already working on a 10-year plan to end homelessness. By providing administrative, fundraising, marketing and other support to the<br />
commission, United Way has established a model for other new partnerships that will evolve as<br />
Investing in Results unfolds.<br />
<br />
<b>United Way Opens Competitive Grant Opportunity of More Than $1 Million to Qualified</b><br />
<b>Community Organizations</b> For additional information about Investing in Results or the Building Safe Communities RFP, please visit www.hfuw.org/Investing_in_Results.php or contact the Community Investment department at 407-835-0900 ext. 389.Heart of Florida United Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11927258915312018058noreply@blogger.com0