News & Events
United Way Kicks Off 2010 Community Campaign
and Celebrates 37-Year Partnership with the NFL
 On September 7, United Way of Northeast Florida kicked off its 2010 community campaign in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. With over 400 guests in attendance, United Way’s 2010 Campaign Cabinet led by Campaign Chair Scott Brubaker announced the campaign goal of $24,795,513 that will allow United Way to increase its impact in improving lives of First Coast children and families.“I am very proud of what this city and our region has accomplished in helping those in need, especially through United Way,” Brubaker said. “During these challenging economic times, achieving our goal is critical to ensure that dollars are invested to resolve critical issues facing First Coast families and children. Also at the event, Delores Barr Weaver awarded trophies to three students that are part of the Achievers for Life initiative, which provides dropout prevention services to students identified at being at-risk for not completing high school. The students were recognized for writing essays about how they lived healthy lives by exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods. The focus on youth wellness is part of the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, a national effort to encourage children to make healthy decisions. The event also celebrated the 37-year partnership between United Way and the National Football League. Guests heard from Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, who spoke about issues related to the National Football League and the Jaguars. Following the United Way launch, guests attended the Cornerstone Jaguars Kickoff where more than 1,700 fans cheered on the Jacksonville Jaguars in preparation of the 2010 NFL season. During the Jaguars Kickoff, Delores Barr Weaver spoke about the importance of the business community’s support in United Way’s Campaign. "For 37 years, the National Football League and United Way have been partners in communities across our nation," said Delores Weaver. "United Way gives all of us an opportunity to be part of the solution. I am proud to support United Way and its commitment to engaging us all to create opportunities for a better life through education, income and health." Although the Campaign Launch officially kicked off United Way’s annual giving campaign, many businesses and organizations held workplace campaigns early to jumpstart the Community Campaign. The dollars raised from participating Pacesetter organizations and other early gifts totaled $4,123,074. The results of the Pacesetter campaigns were announced during the kickoff (see below). Connie Hodges, United Way of Northeast Florida’s President and CEO stated “The Northeast Florida community is doing all that it can to rally and demonstrate support for its citizens. Dollars raised in this campaign will work to address today’s immediate basic needs, while investing in long-term solutions to our region’s most pressing problems.” Unique to this year’s event is a special partnership between United Way and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. The two organizations came together to host both Cornerstone’s Advisory Council and the United Way Campaign Launch. 2010 Pacesetters  United Way Agency Pacesetters $149,341 American Red Cross • Catholic Charities • Clara White Mission • Communities in Schools of Jacksonville • Communities in Schools of Nassau County • HandsOn Jacksonville • Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition • Hubbard House • Jacksonville Urban League • JCCI • Jewish Family and CommunityServices • Lutheran Social Services • National Multiple Sclerosis Society • United Way of Northeast Florida • The Salvation Army  Also be sure to check out The Florida Times-Union article on the Campaign Launch
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