Oregon Iron Works Food Donation

Oregon Iron Works makes yet another generous donation for Portland families. Jeff Zawada (pictured) dropped off the employee's contributions of non perishable food to the Oregon Food Bank. Thank you once again Oregon Iron Works!

How Much Would You Pay to Throw a Pie in the Face of Your Boss?

Employees at Far West Fibers capped off a fundraising drive with a pie in the face of their boss. What a fun idea!

Heartwarming LIVE UNITED Story

"I live united by supporting a family member with mental health issues. By staying in their life providing stability and a safe environment.  By giving encouragement to venture beyond obstacles.  By living united I get to  witness an individual living a normal life.  My choice limits time and energy for other, but I can extend good in the community by simply giving to United Way." - Anonymous

Holiday Cake from Labor's Community Services and the Bakers Union

Thanks to our friends at Labor's Community Services and the Bakers Union for such a delicious treat. We appreciate the many years of a great partnership supporting the community.

Now, it's time to eat some cake!

Oregon Iron Works Spreads Holiday Cheer

Oregon Iron Works, the local manufacturing and fabrication company founded in 1944, has run a fabulous campaign this year. To get into the holiday spirit, the company ran a toy drive on behalf of United Way. You'll see in the photos below all the great items employees of Oregon Iron Works collected for children throughout Portland to enjoy.

Thank you Oregon Iron Works!



United Way's Pam Albee shows off some of the cute
teddy bears donated by Oregon Iron Works Employees.



Columbia State Bank in the LIVE UNITED Spirit Yet Again!

Columbia State Bank is making the most of Living United with "How I Live United" paper T-shirts.

Bank employees - managers and tellers alike - invite customers to "join us in the circle where a dollar goes a long way" by contributing for a paper T-shirt.

At Gateway Columbia State Bank (SE 107th and Halsey), paper T-shirts now grace the lobby. Customers have given in amounts of $1, $5, $10, $20, totaling $215 in two weeks.

But don't take our word for it. Stop by and meet tellers Maria Rivera and Candace Clanton and Branch Officer Jodi Richardson, pictured here and donate today.

Milestone for Bi-Mart!

Bi-Mart Corporation reached a milestone this year with their United Way Giving Campaign.

The company has run an annual giving campaign for over 30 years and this year we're thrilled to announce that the 16 stores that make up the Bi-Mart Campaign in the Portland and Vancouver area obtained 100% participation and also reached a new record high in total giving in its support of the community at $95,000!

Bi-Mart Vice President of Operations, Rob Clark and the District’s New Manager Don Kast along with the 16 Store Managers were instrumental in reaching the goal of 100% participation set by its Corporate Headquarters in Eugene.

Way to go Bi-Mart! Your support for the community through United Way is outstanding!

Columbia State Bank in LIVE UNITED Shirts

AJ Prasad, Frank Bermudez, and Heidi Koenigsmann of Columbia State Bank took time out of a busy day for a photo shoot in their LIVE UNITED t-shirts.

Next up...customized posters for Columbia State Bank’s 2010 United Way campaign – running now through December.

Look for the real live AJ at 10735 NE Halsey, Frank at 223 NE 2nd Avenue in Canby, and Heidi at Columbia Bank Fox Tower at 805 SW Broadway, Suite 2700 downtown Portland.

Columbia State Bank Steps Up

Manager Ajnesh (AJ) Prasad and his team at Columbia State Bank truly know how to Live United.

In addition to their own workplace giving campaign, they invite bank customers to purchase paper "Live United" t-shirts to join in the campaign. In two days, customers donated over $35 at the teller windows. This photo is proof!

But don't take our word for it . . .

Visit Columbia Bank at 10735 NE Halsey to see for yourself and to meet this community-conscious team.

Pendleton Woolen Mills LIVES UNITED

If you haven't been downtown lately, you may have missed Pendleton store's window display. They're making a statement about how they LIVE UNITED!

Here's a heartwarming story from a Pendleton employee:

After the pledge forms were delivered with a copy of a letter about United Way from Mort III, one of Pendleton's employees wrote the following:

"I know first hand that there are many who do not see the sun shining or welcome the nip in the air. I just wanted to tell you that Pendleton's support for United Way really brings joy to my heart. It gives me a chance to give back for all that has been given to me. When I was growing up my parents had four small children, were very poor and suffered from drug addiction. We often lived under bridges, in campgrounds or in shacks with no running water or electricity. I remember often eating at shelters. Sometimes that would be the only meal that we had. The only time we got winter coats, shoes, or Christmas was through these community programs. I ended up leaving home when I was 15 thanks to another program called Job Corps. I graduated and moved to Portland when I was 17. Two days later I started temping for Pendleton and here I am many years later. Thanks to Pendleton and programs funded by United Way, my children will never have to go through any of the hardships that I did as a child. I just want to say THANK YOU for Pendleton's support."


A big thanks to Pendleton's 2010 United Way Committee: Catherine Austin, Cindi Coleman, Colleen Grant, Debi Mahoney, Jaime Bitle, Jayne Johansen, Linda Abercrombie, Paige Kvancz, Patty Stubblefield and Julie Strand

Intel 1st Annual Break Room Challenge

As part of their annual giving campaign, Intel employees organized the 1st Annual Break Room Challenge!

There were 3 tournaments running: Table Tennis, Foosball and Wii Tennis.

MDG United Way Break Room Championship Finals were tough battles:

Table Tennis at 12:00 PM (Best of 5 games)
Wayne O’Neil v. Avinash Chandrasekaran

Wii Tennis at 12:20 PM (Best of 5 games)
Andy Carle v. Navin Mohan

Foosball at 12:40 PM (Best of 3 games)
Clark Brooks v. Van Trinh

And the winners were: Avinash, Andy and Van! Congrats winners and a big thanks to Intel!

PCC Students4Giving Project Video

Please take 8 minutes of your time to view this outstanding video produced by Portland Community College's Campus Compact Students4Giving Project. This video captured an entire semester of work completed by a Non-Profit Grant Making class taught by Lead Business Instructor Cynthia Killingsworth.

The work involved student fundraising that was matched by dollars from the PCC Foundation, development of funding priorities and criteria that were used as the basis for solicitation of grant proposals, grant review and a ceremony awarding grants to successful applicants.

I have yet to see a more successful approach in teaching students about the value of making a contribution to the community and the challenges of making funding choices.

Please join me in thanking PCC and the Students4Giving Program in setting a such high leadership standard for community giving and Living United.

http://www.pcc.edu/resources/service-learning/students4giving/video.html

- Howard Klink
VP Community Investment and Mobilization
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Johnson Controls Battery Group Presented with the 2009 Best in County Award

This week United Way of the Columbia-Willamette presented the Best in County Award for Clackamas County to Johnson Controls Battery Group Inc at the Canby Chamber of Commerce meeting at Cutsforth’s Thriftway.

The award was presented by Howard Klink, VP of Community Investment and Mobilization (left) and Jeff Zawada, Senior Manager for New Business Partnerships and Initiatives (second from left) with United Way.

The recognition honors the giving level of the company in last year’s Annual Giving Campaign to United Way and was accepted by Allie Conner (second from right) and Mark McAndrew (right) of Johnson Controls Battery Group Inc. The company raised $24,000 for the community in the last giving campaign.

A big thanks to Johnson Controlls Battery Group!

GE Healthcare Kicks Off Their 2010 Campaign with a Little Halloween Spirit

GE Healthcare spiced up their 2010 United Way workplace giving campaign with a little Halloween fun. About 50 employees gathered for a Halloween ‘best costume’ and ‘best potluck dish’ event, complete with prizes, to kick off this year's campaign.

GE Healthcare IT participates in both United Way workplace giving and ICare volunteer projects in the Hillsboro community. The event was organized by Siran Abtin, Campaign Coordinator and coordinated by Jan Copper-Moren, Purchasing and Facilities Agent.

Honoring the Memories of the 49 People Lost to Domestic Violence in 2010

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette staff member, Sarah McDowell attended last night's domestic violence vigil organized by the Portland Women's Crisis Line to honor the 49 victims of domestic violence this year in Portland and SW Washington (http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Domestic-Violence-Vigil-Honors-Victims-106280899.html).

Sarah, a former program director at Raphael House, recounts the emotions of the evening and shares a moving poem that was read during the vigil:

Serenaded by the lovely harmonies of the Portland Lesbian Choir, close to 100 people gathered on a rainy evening to pay tribute to the memories of the domestic violence victims recently murdered and to speak out against these horrific acts. The park was surrounded by paper bags with candles and silhouettes that represented the 49 lives lost due to domestic violence in the last 12 months in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Rebecca Nickels, Executive Director of Portland Women’s Crisis Line spoke personally while fighting back tears about not only the grief, anger and confusion she has felt as the death toll rises, but also the wisdom, strength and laughter of the advocates and survivors she has met. She expressed her hope that through ongoing commitment from the group gathered we can put an end to the fatalities. Nickels highlighted three things we can all do to make sure no more lives have to be lost: 1) Listen and Believe, 2) Speak out 3) Get involved.

Rod Underhill, Assistant District Attorney in Multnomah County, also shared some hope that next year, we will have a year like 2000 when there were no deaths due to domestic violence in the region. Underhill read the names of the victims and led the group in a moment of silence.

Family members and friends spoke of the generosity and kindness of several of the victims and urged the gathered crowd to speak out and support the victims/survivors in their communities. Several survivors spoke of the need for affordable housing with supportive services so that survivors have the option of leaving. Another survivor insisted the community get involved “if you hear it stop it, if you see it stop it.”

One survivor who now volunteers at a local victim’s services program spoke of her experience trying to leave. When she needed safe shelter, there was no space available and she was told to sleep at the airport. She hoped that through broader support no other survivor would have to be told that.

Many of the survivors acknowledged the help they had received from advocates at agencies such as Portland Women’s Crisis Line, Raphael House of Portland and The West Women’s and Children Shelter, asserting that they might have been part of the list of 49 fatalities without those services.

Towards the end of the vigil a survivor read a poem to articulate her feelings about the horrific deaths in our community:

I got flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t my birthday
or any special day.
We had our first argument last night,
and he said a lot of cruel things
that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry
and didn’t mean the things he said
because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.
It wasn’t our anniversary
or any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall
and started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn’t believe it was real.
I know he must be sorry
because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today,
and it wasn’t Mother’s Day
or any other special day.
Last night, he beat me up again.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
What about money?
I’m afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry
because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night, he finally killed me.
If only I had gathered enough courage
and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers today.
© 1992 by Paulette Kelly

This very moving evening renewed my commitment to ending domestic violence in my community. I hope you will all join me in this and, to paraphrase Rebecca Nickels:

Listen and Believe victims/survivors

Speak Out in your community - let people know domestic violence cannot be tolerated

Get involved – volunteer your time and donate to United Way or your local victim services program.

- Sarah McDowell
Community Investment Manager, Health and Wellbeing
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Being Ralph's Hero is Why I LIVE UNITED

The following is a first hand story written by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's staff member, Donald Braden. It is a wonderfully moving story about the power we all have to make a differences in people's lives.

Don Braden volunteering again at an Intel Fun Run event

I am a firm believer that all of us fortunate enough to work for United Way LIVE UNITED every single day. A little over seven years ago I took a job with the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and it has been a great seven years. At the time, I was looking for work in the non-profit sector specifically because I am a firm believer in aligning my work life with public service. 



I never imagined United Way would be a place I worked at for seven years. In fact, in my initial interview I actually stated that I would probably do this job for 3 maybe 4 years tops. I knew a little bit about United Way and figured it would be a good place to learn about the non-profit community here in Portland since I recently moved here from Ohio.

The job was a great fit; I was having fun and helping people at the same time. It was great that first year. But I eventually fell into a routine and I lost that sense of direct connection to the good work United Way does in the community.

That was the year I arranged to work with Intel on scheduling a week of volunteer activities for their employees. That week was an amazing week. We staged an on-campus bike repair day with the Cycle Center, we built a garden retaining wall at Community Partners for Affordable Housing, sorted food at the Oregon Food Bank facility, worked on framing a Habitat for Humanity House, painted all of the rooms in the White Shield facility run by Salvation Army (a program that sheltered single mothers and their children from potentially dangerous relationships), built a playground at a Child’s Place and painted an elderly gentlemen’s mobile home in a project with Rebuilding Together in Washington County.

Those were just the projects I was able to personally work on shoulder to shoulder with Intel employees by my side that week. But once it was over I quickly returned to the routine. I lost sight of the difference we are making out in the community again.

About a month after the Intel Helping Hands week had ended, I came in to work one morning facing a rather daunting load of phone calls and appointments to make that day. I got off the elevator and checked my mailbox. Mixed in with all of the business printed envelopes there was one that was addressed by hand. When I opened and read that letter, my entire outlook that morning and honestly every morning since changed.

It was a letter from an elderly gentleman named Ralph who was the man who lived in the trailer we painted for the Rebuilding Together project. During the project I was able to talk with Ralph because he needed some help making and handing out iced tea to the busily painting Intel employees. Ralph was grateful to have the help painting his trailer and, despite the fact that I had brought drinks and snacks for all of the volunteers, he insisted on making and serving them some tea himself. But I had forgotten about Ralph once I got back into my work routine until I got that letter.

While I regrettably lost the letter when I moved homes a few years later, the specifics and sentiment of the letter I have never forgotten and stay with me still today. He wrote me this letter because the folks at Rebuilding Together told him that I was the one that organized the project.

Ralph was in his 80s, he grew up in Southern Oregon, was a veteran of the Korean War. He had had two brothers a wife and a child. He talked about how rich his life was. But as he grew older he started losing his family and friends, first his brothers then his old friends passed. A few years earlier his wife passed on and his son had died at a young age before he had had the opportunity to start a family of his own. In the end he was alone.

It was a tough letter to read to have someone expressing this so plainly, so bluntly, it made my heart ache. The second paragraph of the letter began, “I do not share these things to make you feel sorry for me, as I said I have led a rich and fulfilling life. I share these things to tell you that what you are doing is important.”

He continued on to say that while the 3 hour paint job seemed like a simple way to help, but to him and others like him, it meant so much more. He wrote about how the toughest part about getting older and losing those close to him was not simply being alone, it was the total inability to do the little things on his own. There was no way he could have maintained the exterior of his trailer the way he would have liked on his own and he was clearly frustrated by that fact. To make his frusteration worse, he had recently receive a notice from the trailer park that his home would have to be removed if he was unable to get the painting done yet he had no one to help him take care of it.

He told me in the letter that while it was only three hours of volunteer time, he now could look forward to years of being able to live independently in his home and that meant a great deal to him. For that he wanted to write to me particularly as the organizer of the event to tell me that he knew it was a tough job to get people involved in reaching out a helping hand to strangers.

He closed by writing, “so thank you for the work you do, the time you spent helping me and always remember that because of what you do everyday that you are and always will be my hero.”

Ralph’s letter made me realize that if I made that much difference in one person’s life in just 3 hours of time, I can only imagine the real impact almost 8 years of work with United Way has made in the community. Combine that with the impact my coworkers have been able to make happen…incredible.

I wanted to share this story with all of you as workplace campaigns begin throughout Portland and Vancouver to remind us of the impact we truly have on people in our community each and every day. It is not only the field staff that makes this kind of impact. Each and every one of us, working together, is a strong asset for our community.

To steal a line from Ralph, I want all of you to remember that because of the work each of you do everyday you are a hero to a lot of good people throughout our community.

Working for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is how and this story is why I LIVE UNITED.

Waiting for "Superman" Movie and United Way

United Way is committed to quality education. As a neutral convener, we are not endorsing the views of the film but we seek to spark conversations around improving the education system.

Be a part of the conversation by posting your thoughts about the film after you see it in our comment section, take action at http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/action/ and learn more about why United Way is encouraging people to see the film and start talking about the educational system.

Intel Fun Run 2010 Photos

On September 22nd, hundreds of runners from Intel strapped on their running shoes for the annual Intel Fall Fun Run 2010. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette employees maned water stations along the route to cheer on our loyal Intel supporters.

Thanks to Janet Rash of Intel Community Affairs for coordinating a table at the event and Hillary Fuchs and Annie Duong for coordinating the run and United Way’s support of the water station. Also thanks to our very own Britt Conroy for coordinating our United Way team for the event.

Below is a video and some photo of the fun day out in Hillsboro!

The United Way water crew

Community Issues Forum –The Diversity and the Inclusion Paradox

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette invites you to this year's Community Issues Forum –The Diversity and the Inclusion Paradox with Andres Tapia on October 7th.

Are you prepared for the rapidly changing demographics of our community? Explore a broad spectrum of diversity issues with Andres Tapia, an internationally recognized authority in the field and noted author. Learn the difference between diversity and inclusion. Gain new insights into how varying worldviews can impact health, wealth, learning, safety, and workplace performance.

Challenge old ways of thinking. Discover how maximizing and calling out our differences will unleash the true creative contributions of diverse perspectives that lead to better work relationships, greater innovation and profitability that benefit individuals, teams, organizations, and our community. Mr. Tapia has a direct and compelling approach that goes beyond traditional thinking to delve into differences of race, age, gender, sexual preferences, ethnicity, and disabilities. His message is timely for our region in the context of current discussions about school closures, community violence, racial profiling and housing discrimination. Mr. Tapia offers a true global perspective based on experiences working in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, India, Kenya, and throughout Latin America and his native Perú.

October 7, 2010
7:30 am -9:30 am
Oregon Convention Center

Featuring - Andrés Tapia, author of The Inclusion Paradox: The Obama Era and the Transformation of Global Diversity.

Register Now at http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/diversity/

United Way Staff Participate in Race for the Cure

United Way had quite a big team in this year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. There was sewing and bedazzling involved in the LIVE UNTIED shirt design (see the previous post) and our staff members and friends represented United Way of the Columbia-Willamette with pride last weekend.

Here are some photos from the race:

Go team!

Walking down to the race start from our offices

Lovin' the shirt James.

Jeff all smiles during the race.

United Way Staff "Komen-ize" for the Race for the Cure

Last weekend saw a fantastic turn out for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Portland. And your very own United Way had a team too!

Here's our team "Komen-izing" their LIVE UNITED shirts:

This is James. I'm not sure James sews much.

But what a result!

The shirt's lookin' good Jessica, I like the bow.

Next blog post...race day!

Nacho Ordinary Nationwide Giving Campaign

We love this annual giving campaign theme from Nationwide: "Nacho Ordinary ePledge."

For every employee that pledged to United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, Nationwide Sales Solutions provided a big 'ol plate of nachos!

In addition, thanks to Nationwide Insurance Foundation, every dollar pledged was matched, doubling the total impact of their employee giving! Gracias Nationwide! Nachos all around!

United Way holds LIVE UNITED Day; Raises over $35k in Internal Campaign

Here are a few ways our staff members LIVE UNITED...

LIVE UNITED day at the office!

In honor of our internal campaign raising $38,115 (with 100% full time staff participation no less!), we dubbed this particular friday LIVE UNITED day. Our staff don't just wear the shirt, they live it, but today was all about wearing it! We ran an internal campaign because if we're asking companies across the four county area to hold a campaign to raise money for the community, well shoot, we can too!

(Barbara and Jose felt a little left out because they missed the group shot)

We had our staff write their LIVE UNITED stories and here are a few amazing examples:

"I run an art program using volunteers at my son's school." - Pam

"I am a gallon blood donor with the Red Cross. I have a rare blood type that is always in short supply." - Jeff

"I LIVE UNITED by giving my time to Habitat for Humanity using my community service hours provided by United Way." - Aaron

And there are many more great stories where those came from. We've initiated #LiveUnitedTues on our twitter and facebook pages and we'll share one fantastic LIVE UNTIED story each Tuesday. So follow us for LIVE UNITED Tuesdays so follow us on twitter and Like us on Facebook to see who's story is posted next Tuesday!

If you would like to share your LIVE UNTIED story with us, please email me at caitlinc@unitedway-pdx.org.

Stay tunned for some more info on the fun events we held during our internal campaign. Maybe you'll get some ideas for your company's campaign!

Friends of United Way Receive 40% off at Norm Thompson This Weekend

Norm Thompson is a fantastic corporate partner to United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and has offered to allow our friends to recieve a 40% discount at their outlet locations this weekend only! But the best thing that with each coupon used, 10% of the proceeds from the coupon go to United Way and two other great nonprofit organizations.

So to you, our dear friends, please enjoy some discounted shopping at Norm Thompson August 13-15, 2010 and support United Way at the same time! Just click the coupon image below, print it off and visit a Norm Thompson Outlet location this weekend. Happy shopping!

United Way Accepts 2010 Community Spirit Award

On June 9th, 2010, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette was honored by Community Action with the organization’s 2010 Community Spirit Award recognizing United Way’s innovative approach to mitigating the impact of the recession for over 39,000 people in the four county metro region.

Concerned about the unprecedented job loss and growing poverty, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, in alliance with Oregon Food Bank and Community Action Programs spearheaded the new Community Relief Fund.

United Way distributed $1.1 million to programs that helped individuals and families cover rent, food and utilities. The Community Spirit Award recognizes the partnership between the organizations as well as the wider impact United Way’s intervention has had on the lives of people struggling in the recession.

Through the Community Relief Fund nearly 700 households avoided eviction, almost 300 families were able to keep their lights on and over 36,000 individuals received food assistance.

15th Annual Far West Fibers Classic Hits Fundraising Milestone

Over 250 golfers hit the links Thursday, June 24th to support United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. The Far West Fibers Classic raised a total of $1 million since its inception 15 years ago.

The 15th annual charity golf tournament was held at one of Oregon’s most prestigious courses, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club’s Ghost Creek course. Golfers raised money for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s programs helping children and families that are in need in Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Clark counties.

“Part of our mission at Far West Fibers is to give back and this is one of the ways we can accomplish that goal,” said Stan Girard, Chief Operating Officer at Far West Fibers. “We love doing this tournament because we believe in United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s work because it is a great way to get funds into the community and they do the very best job helping people.”

Fifteen years ago, tournament co-directors Stan Girard, Keith Ristau were seeking a way to increase the impact of their employee giving campaign in a fun way. Their love of golf and community led them to hold the first tournament with only 56 golfers at the Meriwether National Golf Club in Hillsboro.

“We were excited to have the opportunity to combine our passions of supporting our community and golfing,” said Keith Ristau, President of Far West Fibers. “We’ve drawn so many people year after year to support United Way. We always knew we’d reach $1 million and it’s so gratifying to finally have reached that milestone because with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette we know the money has been put to good use in our community.”

The Far West Fibers Classic has become one of the premier charity golf tournaments in the four county region. The day’s events include the tournament itself as well as putting contests, a hole in one challenge and more.

Next year’s tournament date has been set for June 23, 2011 and we hope you'll join us!

And the Winners Are...

Here are the winners of the 2010 Far West Fibers Classic:

Morning round:

1st place – Nuener, Davidson & Cooley
Charles Neuner
Tom Davidson
Mark Woods
Jeff Bean

2nd place - Recology
Ginger Emrick
Julie Jorgenson
Shane Jorgenson
Blake Murillo

3rd place – Morgan Machinery and Moving
Jeff Morgan
Greg Springsteen
Troy Talent
Tom Walker

Closest to the pin – Jeff Bean and Nancy Forstrom
Longest drive – Bill Woods and Ali Battaglia
Putting contest – Phil Middleton

Afternoon round:

1st place – US Bank

Michael Van Orman

Stan Reneker

Pete Craven
Chris Devich

2nd place – Legend Logistics and Trucking
Kevin White
David Niskanem
Mark Wittmeyer
Dave Harmensen

3rd place – Propel Insurance
Mike Bennett
Scott Farmer
Steve Warren
Tom Boyle

Closest to the pin – Scott Farmer and Brie Heinz
Longest drive – Gary Peck and Kat Centers

Responding to an Oregonian OpEd about Domestic Violence

The following is a response to an earlier Op-Ed about domestic violence that contained inadequately research data about domestic violence and misinformation about United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's work with partner organizations working on the issue. The below Letter to the Editor was co-written by Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director of Clackamas Women's Services and Marc Levy, President/CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

Domestic violence

We would like to respond to the op-ed "Men should be more than a national afterthought" by Phillip Cook (OregonLive.com, June 1).

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors by one person to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. In a society where positions of power are still predominantly held by men, it is not surprising that the majority of perpetrators are men. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 85 percent of domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women. However, despite their numbers, male survivors do receive services in our community. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provided funds to Clackamas Women's Services (CWS) to lead a collaborative initiative to expand housing for survivors who face homelessness. All CWS programs are open to men.

Our community needs men as part of the movement to end domestic violence. CWS is closely involved with Oregon Men Against Violence and a variety of other male stakeholders to address these issues. Only by men and women working together can we end domestic violence. CWS and United Way invite you to get involved by contacting your local domestic violence programs.

MELISSA ERLBAUM
and MARC R. LEVY

Erlbaum is the executive director of Clackamas Women's Services. Levy is the president/CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
 
http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2010/06/letters_economy_domestic_viole.html

Union Pacific Supports United Way

Toni Carlo, Vice President of Workplace Giving for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette accepts a $5,000 check from Aaron Hunt, Director, Corporate Relations & Media for Union Pacific at a recent luncheon hosted by the Union Pacific Foundation for non-profit partners. Union Pacific and Union Pacific employees have been long-time supporters of United Way and we thank them for investing in our community.

Local LIVE UNITED Story Goes National

United Way Worldwide chose a fantastic LIVE UNITED story from United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to use in their national campaigns.

This fantastic video features Meera who helps Portland area childrens and parents with a United Way of the Columbia-Willamette funded program at Neighborhood House. Hear how Meera works to LIVE UNITED, she's an inspiration!

Watch the video here

United Way Honors Wells Fargo as Largest Employee Campaign Nationally

United Way has singled out Wells Fargo for both national and regional honors as a result of the firm’s community support.

United Way Worldwide honored Wells Fargo as the largest employee campaign in the entire United States. Wells Fargo team members pledged a record $41.9 million through their annual 2009 Community Support and United Way Campaign—a 21-percent increase over 2008. Combined with corporate gifts, this totaled more than $60 million, which United Way will use in part to help meet its national goals to increase the number of students who graduate, help more families become financially stable, and increase the number of healthy youth and adults.

Additionally, more than 32,000 Wells Fargo team members nationwide volunteered 1.23 million hours in 2009, providing financial literacy classes, free tax preparation and much more. In March, United Way recognized Wells Fargo with a Summit Award for exceptional volunteerism as a testament to the financial services company and its employees’ ongoing commitment to communities.

Local Honors

In Portland, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette also recently honored Wells Fargo locally for its 2009-2010 Giving Campaign. In the four-county Portland/Vancouver region, Wells Fargo’s employee giving and corporate gift totaled $927,000. In addition, Wells Fargo team members’ annual volunteerism in Oregon and southwest Washington in 2009 rose 70-percent to 64,779 hours.

At United Way of Columbia-Willamette’s Celebration of Caring event April 29, which honors companies that go above and beyond in their annual giving campaign, Wells Fargo was a standout campaign leader. United Way honored Wells Fargo with the Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence for outstanding campaign performance.

Wells Fargo is a distinguished member of the United Way Global Corporate Leadership program, an elite group of the country’s top corporate citizens, dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities to create a better life for all people. Wells Fargo has been recognized by Forbes, Business Week, Newsweek and Barron’s as one of the world’s most admired, most generous and most respected companies.

Celebration of Caring Event Photos

Last week United Way of the Columbia-Willamette announced it's 2009-2010 campaign total to a fantastic group of supporters. The campaign raised over $20 million which is up from last year, a testament to our community's generosity. Below are some photo highlights from the event. If you would like to read more about the award recipients, have a look United Way's previous blog post.

Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence were awarded to Wells Fargo, Costco Wholesale and Norm Thompson Outfitters

Our wonderful sponsors for the evening: Boeing

Employees from Wells Fargo. Corporate and employee giving at Wells Fargo totaled an outstanding $927,000! 

Jill Eiland accepts the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Intel Corporation. 

Employees of Enterprise Holdings with their Campaign Performance Award  

Thanks to all our community partners for a wonderful evening!

United Way Announces Giving Campaign Total

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette today announces that its 2009-2010 Community Giving Campaign has reached $20,103,670 which is a 2.2% increase over the previous year. This announcement comes one week after United Way released its Community Impact Results Report, highlighting the agency’s impact over the past five years.

During tough economic times, United Way credits its many individual, corporate, employee, retiree and foundation givers as helping to outpace last year’s Campaign total of $19.6 million. This is the fifth year in a row that United Way has increased the level of the giving campaigns and puts the organization among the top 10% of United Ways in the nation.

Intel Corporation’s record-setting campaign topped $6 million, significantly boosting the overall total for United Way with employee and retiree gifts as well as a one-to-one match from the Intel Foundation. Intel additionally contributed significant employee volunteer hours. This is the second year Intel has set a giving record with last year’s total at $5.6 million.

Of the almost 1,000 companies running an employee giving campaign this year, three stand out as this year’s awardees of the Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence: Wells Fargo, Costco Wholesale, and Norm Thompson Outfitters. Of note in Clark County, the City of Vancouver is the awarded of the Best of County employee giving campaign award. At the Celebration of Caring event this Thursday evening, these and many other outstanding community partners will be honored with awards.

Wells Fargo’s employee giving and corporate gift totaled an outstanding $927,000 with employee giving increasing by almost $140,000 and volunteerism nearly doubling to 64,800 hours. Costco Wholesale’s campaign increased by an incredible 40% and contributed close to $400,000. Norm Thompson Outfitters’ campaign increased by 125% from $28,000 to $63,000 and employees also volunteered in a variety of community service projects.

Corporations and individuals that will be recognized at Celebration of Caring campaign announcement event include:

Best New Campaign: Deschutes Brewery

Labor Partner of the Year: IBEW Local 48

Campaign Coordinators of the Year: Dennis Catmull, Costco Wholesale and Danielle Sass, Benson Industries

Best of County:
Clackamas – Johnson Controls Battery Group
Clark – City of Vancouver
Multnomah – Benson Industries
Washington – Enterprise Holdings

Best of Trade:
Auto Dealers: Ron Tonkin Corporation
Banks/Finance: OnPoint Credit Union
Education: Beaverton School District
Health: Providence Health & Services
High Tech: TriQuint Semiconductor
Hospitality: Deschutes Brewery
Insurance: State Farm Insurance
Government: Clean Water Services
Manufacturing: PCC Structurals
Retail: Nordstrom
Professional: Stoel Rives
Media: The Columbian
Telecom: Comcast

Campaign Performance Awards:
Allstate Insurance Companies
Bi-Mart
Cascade Corporation
CH2M Hill
Deloitte
Enterprise Holdings
Harris Group
Intel
International Paper
OnPoint Credit Union
Oregon Business Council
Pacific Machinery & Tool Steel
Rodda Paint
Yost Grube Hall Architecture
Zones Inc

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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayPDX
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UnitedWayPDX
Online: http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/

United Way Investment Report Shows Regional Gains in Education, Income, Health

United Way of the Columbia Willamette released a report on the results of the organizations’ Community Impact model of funding from 2004 to 2009. The report details how United Way leveraged $22.5 million in contributions to secure another $18.8 million in foundation and government grants, bringing the total investment to $41.3 million for community impact programs in Multnomah, Clark, Washington and Clackamas counties.

It is the first comprehensive report of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s impact since the organization moved to a community investment model, focused specifically on education, income and health. During the reporting period, United Way was to help 100,000 people a year improve their lives.

We invite you to read the full Community Impact Fund Results report on our website http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/ and even tell us what you think on United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's social networking pages on Facebook or Twitter. Read more about the announcement by reading the press release about the Community Impact Fund Results report.

Free Tax Help Through United Way’s Tax Preparation Partnerships

Aiming to put savings and tax refunds in taxpayers’ pockets, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is funding free tax preparation programs for people across the region who may be eligible for tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. Typically, Earned Income Tax Credit is available to most families earning less than $43,279 annually; and to individuals with an annual income of less than $13,440. Working families claiming EITC can receive up to $5,657 annually with tax credits. According to IRS records, about 25% of individuals and families living in Oregon who qualify for the earned credit don’t receive the refund because they haven’t filed for it. The refund is not automatic, and taxpayers must incorporate EITC into their tax filing.

United Way has allocated $77,500 to support free tax preparation programs in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Of that amount, $50,000 came from United Way’s strategic initiatives fund, while Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributed $12,500. The WalMart Foundation dedicated $15,000 to provide tax assistance for people with disabilities.

read more >>

Partnership Seeks to Boost Census Participation Among ‘Hard-to-Count’ Communities

With the goal to increase participation in the 2010 Census among Multnomah County’s “hard-to-count” communities, an alliance of more than 20 nonprofits are working together to reach communities of color, non-English speaking residents, immigrants, low income households, seniors and people with disabilities, and homeless people.

Led by the offices of Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and City of Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, the Complete Count Committee has allocated $140,000 in mini-grants to local community organizations and nonprofits. The nonprofits are tasked with conducting community outreach, publicity, grassroots organizing and special events among hard-to-count communities with low participation in the 2000 Census.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette will serve as the administrative agent for the Complete Count campaign. United Way will oversee disbursement of grant dollars to participating nonprofits and ensure that organizations are meeting their contracted outreach goals. read more

MLK Weekend of Service Projects Under Way

About 2,200 volunteers from across the Portland metro area are celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by contributing their time and effort to help local school and nonprofits.

This is the third year that United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is hosting the United Way MLK Weekend of Service, in partnership with Hands On Greater Portland. Projects are under way now through Monday, January 18.

In 2008, United Way debuted MLK Day of Service, attracting about 400 volunteers at about 30 projects. This year, there are over 100 "done-in-a-day" volunteer projects at 70+ agencies and schools throughout the region.

Above: Cree leaders from Friends of Trees work with volunteers to plant trees at a Southeast Portland neighborhood. Friends of Trees promotes planting, care and protection of urban trees to strengthen neighborhoods and renew the environment.

Volunteers help paint the interior of Outside In, an agency that provides housing, meals, health services, job resources and support for homeless youth and other low-income and marginalized people as they work towards self-sufficiency and improved health.


Volunteers help frame eight homes for the Jubilee Commons site of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East.

Thanks volunteers for all your hard work in helping local agencies get important projects done. More photos from the weekend will be posted soon.