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
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, May 10, 2010
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
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!
Friday, April 30, 2010
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
Follow United Way of the Columbia-Willamette:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayPDX
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UnitedWayPDX
Online: http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/
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
Follow United Way of the Columbia-Willamette:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayPDX
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UnitedWayPDX
Online: http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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 >>
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 >>
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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
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
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