2000s
Tragedy unites the community in 2001, as donors contribute to local needs and support national relief and recovery efforts through the September 11th Fund. The Community Care Challenge begins a successful five-year drive to generate leadership donors and raise $2.6 million new dollars for the community. The evolution of United Way from fundraiser to solutions provider accelerates with the introduction of the initiative Life: Act 2, which targets the critical community challenge of helping seniors stay independent. The Real$ense Prosperity Campaign, which generates an increased flow of federal dollars to low wage earners in Northeast Florida, is created in 2003. Meanwhile, United Way implements a new business model: a “community impact” approach that mobilizes resources around key issues. United Way receives two grants totaling nearly $1 million from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop and implement a strategic community plan for services for frail seniors. By mid-decade, more than 1,000 companies and organizations and 100,000 individuals support United Way of Northeast Florida’s annual giving campaign. In 2005, the Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation grants $2.25 million to establish a West Jacksonville Full Service Schools site. The next year, David and Linda Stein become United Way’s second million dollar donors. Their gift creates a mentoring program that encourages young professionals to become philanthropists and supports the Helping Students Achieve focus area. More good things happen in 2007: Success By 6 and Achievers For Life, two pilot programs designed to target the area’s high dropout rate, are introduced and Success By 6 and Achievers For Life first-year results show impressive student gains. Within an eight-year period (1999-2007) the Weavers have given more than $4.6 million to United Way of Northeast Florida to inspire philanthropy, assist with hurricane relief, and support student achievement. By 2008, there are four United Way Million Dollar Companies: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Vistakon, Publix Super Markets, and CSX. That same year, the Weavers receive the National Tocqueville Award for their philanthropy and community service, following in the footsteps of U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and business titans such as Bill and Melinda Gates.
