News & Events
United Way Raises $24.3 Million
A Salute to Community Champions and Leadership Partners
“After seeing the incredible results and commitment from our partners today, it’s easy to see the spirit of giving on the First Coast,” said Mike Cascone, United Way Board of Trustees Chair and Campaign Cabinet member. “We have true champions amoung us.”
With 400 guests gathered at a breakfast meeting on March 25 at the Jacksonville Main Library, United Way of Northeast Florida announced that it raised $24,383,640 during the 2009 campaign.
United Way leaders congratulated longstanding community partners, award-winning campaigns, and supporters for their hard work, resolve, and commitment. Results included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, CSX Transportation, Inc., Publix Super Markets and Vistakon, all million dollar companies respectively raised a combined total of more than $5.1 million.
In light of the continuing recession, United Way leaders were pleased that the campaign loss was less than 2 percent. Businesses, organizations and individuals all stepped forward to meet the needs of local families and children. “The LIVE UNITED message, with its commitment to education, income and health, served as a reminder to stay committed to our goal,” Mike Cascone shared with the audience.
The Tocqueville Society, made up of donors giving $10,000 or more annually exceeded its goal, raising more than $4.2 million. Tocqueville Society Chair R. Travis Storey, Office Managing Partner of KPMG, commented “What a win for the children and families that these gifts will benefit!”
The Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Award, named in honor of the late Sherwood H. Smith, a long-time community advocate and former Executive Director of the Jacksonville Community Chest, now United Way of Northeast Florida, was presented to two outstanding nonprofit professionals for their work on behalf of children and youth. Eugene Dillard, Boy Scouts of America-North Florida Council, received the award for exemplary service, for his work in expanding traditional scouting programs to youth living in at-risk communities. The second award for children’s advocacy was presented to Susan Main, Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval, for her work in early childhood education and high-quality childcare for low-income families. Each award provides the recipient and their organization with a check for $1,000.
“During the campaign, it was evident that First Coast citizens believe in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor,” said Connie Hodges, President, United Way of Northeast Florida. “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.”
As the celebration concluded, Scott Brubaker, Vice President of the Jacksonville Division of Publix Super Markets was announced as the 2010 Campaign Chair.
Check out the list of honorees
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