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.