UNITED WAY KICKS OFF 2008-09 CAMPAIGN

Organization Announces $18,100,000 Goal and Mayor Richard T. Crotty as Campaign Chair
ORLANDO, Fla. (September 10, 2008) – The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Trustees
gathered business and community leaders to officially kick off the Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) 2008 fundraising campaign on Wednesday, September 10. A campaign goal of $18.1 million was announced to more than 500 guests by Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, who was also announced as the 2008 HFUW Campaign Chair.

“I accepted the role of campaign chairman because I deeply believe in United Way’s vision to engage all citizens to build healthy, safe caring and strong communities,” stated Crotty. “It’s something the organization and its corporate and community partners have been successfully doing for nearly 70 years.”

In addition to the goal announcement, guests heard from keynote speaker, Meg Crofton, president of the Walt Disney World Resort. She emphasized the value of passionate leadership and the benefit of partnering with organizations like United Way to make Central Florida a better place to live, work and play. The Walt Disney Company, along with its cast members, is the largest contributor to HFUW, donating $3,123,157 in 2007.

Through many community partnerships, HFUW has experienced more than a $2.5 million increase in the annual campaign over the past three years. Last year, the organization raised $17,757,000 under the leadership of Campaign Chair Kathy Waltz, retired president and publisher of the Orlando Sentinel; $17.35 million under the leadership of Gary Woodrell, vice president of refractive manufacturing for Alcon; and $16.75 million in 2005 under the leadership of Lee Cockerell, retired vice president of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort.

“We are very honored to have Mayor Crotty as this year’s campaign chair,” stated Robert H. (Bob) Brown, president/CEO of HFUW. “He’s a dynamic and energetic leader who’s known for getting things done. Knowing his passion for the Central Florida community, he is committed to improving the quality of life for those in need. With Mayor Crotty at the helm, this is a tremendous opportunity for the United Way and Central Florida to take the campaign to new heights.”

HFUW provides support to nearly 200 critical health and human service programs, collects and donates inkind goods and services, recruits and trains volunteers, and coordinates and manages more than 450 workplace giving campaigns.

To get involved, please call 407-835-0900 or visit www.hfuw.org.
About Heart of Florida United Way 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 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. Heart of Florida United Way impacts more people annually than any other charity operating in the tri-county area, and 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. For more information visit www.hfuw.org.