ORLANDO, Fla. (May 20, 2009) – Heart of Florida United Way, in partnership with Dr. Phillips
Charities, has announced the launch of a temporary Basic Needs Campaign to provide immediate
financial assistance to Central Floridians who are struggling to pay for food, rent, utilities and ther life necessities.
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS LAST YEAR AND RAISES $17,818,000
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Phenomenal Executive Champion Award recognized those who demonstrated extraordinary initiative and led by example in guiding their organization’s workplace campaign.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY ELECTS THREE PROMINENT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN TO THE 2009-10 BOARD DIRECTORS
ORLANDO, 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.
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.
In December 2007, Chief Demings was named the Chief of Police for the City of Orlando, having
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.
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.
“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.”
For more information about Heart of Florida United Way, call 407-835-0900 or visit http://www.hfuw.org/.
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.
In December 2007, Chief Demings was named the Chief of Police for the City of Orlando, having
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.
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.
“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.”
For more information about Heart of Florida United Way, call 407-835-0900 or visit http://www.hfuw.org/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
