News & Events
United Way Celebrates Community Champions and Leadership Partners
 Marty Lanahan, 2008 Campaign Chair, and Jamie Shelton, 2008 Leadership Giving Chair.  The 2008 campaign total was announced. |
At an April 16th breakfast meeting, United Way announced that it raised $24,830,590, during the 2008 campaign. With 250 guests gathered, United Way leaders congratulated longstanding community partners, award-winning campaigns, and United Way supporters for their hard work, resolve, and commitment.
“When our campaign cabinet and the Board of Trustees were setting the annual goal, the economic crisis was already on every single mind in the room. However, the LIVE UNITED message, with its commitment to education, income, and health, served as a reminder that our goal had to be driven by the needs in our community, and not the probability of success,” said 2008 Campaign Chair Marty Lanahan at today’s event.
More than 1,000 companies and organizations led campaigns that touched more than 223,000 individuals. Michael Ward, CEO and Chairman, CSX Transportation, Inc., committed to a $1 million dollar gift, over five years, to support United Way’s Achievers For Life, a dropout prevention program. CSX Transportation, Inc. entered the million dollar circle for the first time this year. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Vistakon, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Publix Super Markets, all million dollar companies respectively raised a combined total of more than $5.6 million.
The 2008 campaign came in at only 4.8% below 2007.
“This is a remarkable achievement in light of the economy,” stated Kevin Twomey, Chairman of United Way’s Board of Trustees. “United Way was fortunate that companies in industries where business and employment remained steady did well, raising as much or more money for United Way than they did last year. These campaigns grew by more than $1.7 million.”
Special recognition was given to four couples, whose personal match gifts spurred giving to United Way’s Give 5 campaign. Launched in February, this internet-based viral campaign encouraged young adults to donate five dollars and pass the message to five of their friends. Inspired by the opportunity to cultivate new donors and generate needed revenue for essential programs, Delores Barr and J. Wayne Weaver were joined by Elizabeth and Mike Cascone, Irene and Gaspar Lazzara, and David and Linda Stein, resulting in a triple match for every five dollar donation to the Give 5 campaign.
“Through the generous support of our donors and community partners, United Way is ensuring that we remain committed to improving the lives of First Coast families and children,” said Connie Hodges, President of United Way of Northeast Florida.
• View photos from the event
• List of the 2008 Community Champions Award Winners
• Also read the article in The Florida Times-Union
Local United Way donations down but better than most
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