NW Natural and United Way Partner to Provide Gas Assistance Program for Low-Income Families

While many are cutting down on some of their luxury expenses in this tight economy, others are grappling with how to pay for the basics - like their utility bills. With winter fast approaching, NW Natural is asking the public to join forces with its shareholders and give to the company’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP).

GAP is an important initiative that aids low-income families in Oregon and SW Washington with their natural gas payments, so families can keep the heat on when state and federal assistance runs out. Every penny donated is distributed by local community action agencies with the help of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. read more

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Grant

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette recently received a $94,000 grant from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund to support afterschool organizations in the Portland/Vancouver metro area in the 2008-2009 school year. Each organization received a grant to provide scholarships for youth to attend the programs and a $50 JCPenney gift card for each student receiving the grant support.

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to high-quality after school programs that keep them safe and foster their academic, physical and social development. read more

Upcoming Events with United Way Young Leaders Society

The United Way Young Leaders Society (YLS) is a group of young professionals ages 21-40 in the Portland-Vancouver metro region that aims to develop the community's next leaders in both the business and civic arenas.

Members want to grow professionally and personally and are committed, compassionate and generous individuals who want to make a difference in our community.

Throughout the year, YLS hosts events through the YLS Leadership Education and YLS Community Connection programs. Each encompasses aspects of professional growth focused on leadership development and personal growth focused on community involvement.

More info: http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/YLS

NOVEMBER YLS EVENTS

Lunch with Leaders

Date: Wednesday, November 12
Place: 888 SW Fifth Ave., #1200 Portland, Oregon 97204
Time: 11:45 am - 1 pm

James Rudd, CEO of Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, will host our November Lunch with Leaders event. Rudd is a principal of the firm, portfolio manager and member of the equity team managing the industrials and materials sectors. Join us for this opportunity to meet one of the leaders of our local financial world.

To RSVP, contact Jose Ayala at josea@unitedway-pdx.org or 503.226.9373.


United Way Leadership Development Breakfast

Date: Friday, November 14
Place: United Way, 619 SW 11th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97205
Time: 8am-9am

United Way will be hosting its second Leadership Development Breakfast with Sabrina Rokovitz, CEO, Portland Area Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Sy Williams, CEO, ACS. Rokovitz will speak about her career and how she achieved the position of CEO. Williams will make a leadership presentation that he developed for University of Oregon Business students. They both will also share their thoughts on leadership and what they look for in promising employees.

To RSVP, contact Jose Ayala at josea@unitedway-pdx.org or 503.226.9373.

Volunteer Opportunity with YLS

Date: Sunday, November 23
Place: New Seasons - Arbor Lodge, 6400 N Interstate Ave. Portland, OR 97217
Time: 2-hour time slots all day

Come join us to help homebound seniors during the holiday season! We will be distributing "donate dinner" cards to shoppers. These cards allow customers to add the cost of a meal or two to their shopping bill. The seniors, who are unable to do their own shopping, will receive the meals by delivery. There are two-hour time slots all day and we will need one or two volunteers for each slot.

Call Tommy DeMarti, YLS Volunteering / Community Service Vice Chair, at 503.997.7015 to sign up.

"Gossamer" Play Explores Issues of Child Welfare

To discuss the future of child welfare needs in Oregon, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Oregon Children’s Theatre will bring together experts and advocates at a community forum on Friday, oct. 24.

The forum will follow the 7pm performance of “Gossamer” on Oct. 24 at Winningstad Theatre. Funded by United Way and produced by Oregon Children’s Theatre, “Gossamer” addresses issues of child abuse and involvement in the foster care system.

Read more ...

United Way Day at Portland Trail Blazers

What do the Portland Trail Blazers, Wells Fargo and United Way have in common?

We’re joining forces to show our support for the community and our favorite team.

3pm on Sunday, October 12 Rose Garden Arena

The Portland Trail Blazers, in partnership with Wells Fargo, will host “United Way Day” at their home game against the Utah Jazz. You won’t want to miss this early chance to see the full Trail Blazers team in action, score some LIVE UNITED gear, and “hoop” it up all for a great cause.

For tickets call 503.797.9600 or www.trailblazers.com

We hope to see you at the game!

United Way, Northwest Health Foundation Partner to Engage Underserved Communities in Health Reform Efforts

Sharing a common goal to increase community engagement and policy advocacy on health care issues, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and the Northwest Health Foundation (NWHF) announce a funding partnership to support local projects.

NWHF allocated $175,000 for its Access to Healthcare Initiative that focuses on community engagement and policy advocacy. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette contributed an additional $75,000 to the initiative, directing dollars to projects that are most consistent with United Way’s health priorities.

The funding partnership is an example of how regional organizations are coming together to empower grassroots efforts that engage underserved communities in health care reform. Funded projects include public education and media campaigns to improve health care access, as well as efforts to build community support for state legislative proposals focusing on health care reform. read more>>

Workplace Campaign Off to a Strong Start

Early returns from recently concluded United Way workplace campaigns show strong results. A few highlights from events conducted at area workplaces:

Intel LANFest

Intel Oregon’s Aloha campus hosted a 24-hour PC gaming event, raising money for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. Intel LANFest drew almost 70 hardcore PC gamers who brought their superfast machines powered by the fastest Intel processors to the event. World of Warcraft tournaments were a big draw, as well as Team Fortress II and Fooseball II contests. Gaming enthusiasts tried out the latest games at the demo station. Raffle drawings featured software, Intel processors and motherboards, gaming magazine subscriptions, and more.

Successful Safeco Campaign

“We respect and appreciate all that United Way does for our community. Everyone in the company was really motivated to help out, and have fun in the process,” says campaign coordinator Eric Putzek.

A companywide auction included artwork from local artists, gift certificates donated by merchants, and vacation packages drew in wide participation from Safeco’s 100 employees in Portland.

Fun events were planned throughout the campaign: mini-bike races, a barbecue at the beach, and even a hula hoop competition.

Safeco employees also had the chance to pledge top dollar for the right to give their boss a pie in the face. A group of managers signed up to participate, and employees outbid each other for the ultimate prize, says Eric Putzek. A few managers opted for a “buyout” by doubling the top pledged amount. In the end, 12 pies donated by Village Inn Restaurant hit their marks.