UNITED WAY KICKS OFF 2009-10 CAMPAIGN

Campaign Chair Des Cummings Jr. Announces $18 Million Fundraising Goal

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.

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.

“With so many of our neighbors struggling, it’s time to step up, not down.”

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.

Citing this success, Cummings urged other companies to follow UPS’ example in setting generous, ambitious fundraising goals.

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.

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.

“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.”

To get involved or to learn more about Heart of Florida United Way, visit www.hfuw.org or call
407-835-0900.

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 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 www.hfuw.org.