United Way Raises $19.64 Million in Annual Community Campaign

May 19, 2008, Portland, OR – United Way of the Columbia-Willamette raised $19.64 million in its annual community campaign, topping last year’s totals by 2% even as the region faces tough economic challenges.

“It was a tough year for fundraising, yet what our community’s results show is an incredible display of generosity and caring,” says Marc Levy, CEO and President of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “So many people stepped up and gave what they could to help our community.  We are grateful for the leadership of campaign chair, Al Jubitz and volunteers on the campaign cabinet who represent a wide variety of local business leaders.

“We are so fortunate to work with many wonderful ‘cheerleaders’ who touted the importance of community, said Al Jubitz, 2008-09 Campaign Chair.  “We’re also grateful for the overwhelming support from companies who are new to the United Way fold.”

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Tina Foster, United Way board chair, noted the impact of United Way’s work in the lives of community members. “The success of United Way is measured not only by how much money we raise for the community but how we are making an impact in the lives of our neighbors.  Our purpose is to create long-term lasting change to improve people’s lives and strengthen the whole community. This is really all about the end results achieved by those dollars,” Foster said.

United Way’s campaign was buoyed by a track record of delivering results, accountability and transparency. Foster also credits the commitment of 17 Cornerstone Partner companies that have agreed to underwrite overhead costs for United Way.

“With administrative and fundraising costs taken care of, that means that 100 percent of contributions received go toward programs we fund in our community. The Cornerstone Partners program has really made a difference in talking about the value that United Way brings to our community,” she said.

Cornerstone companies include Intel Oregon; Bank of America; Comcast; Daimler Trucks North America; Enterprise Rent-a-Car; Far West Fibers; KeyBank; Northwest Natural; The Oregonian; Pacific Power; PCC Structurals; Providence Health & Services; Qwest; Regence; Tektronix; US Bank; and Wells Fargo.

HONORING VOLUNTEERS

Campaign coordinators and volunteers at more than 1,000 workplaces throughout the four-county region were crucial to the success of the campaign. Three companies stood out from the rest, and received the prestigious Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence for their long-standing commitment to United Way.

Intel Oregon’s campaign drew $5.9 million, a 12% increase over last year. Employee contributions accounted for a majority of those dollars which reached an unprecedented $2.9 million in pledges. Intel Oregon is also one of the founding companies of the Cornerstone Partnership and also contributed an astounding one million volunteer hours to the community in the last year.

Benson Industries is recognized for its unwavering dedication and support of our community. Benson’s employee giving and corporate gift increased by 40% this year. Kaiser Permanente employee contributions increased by 69% over last year’s campaign. The 50% corporate match on staff donations represents a 191% increase.

PacifiCorp won the Campaign Innovation Award, while Axium was honored Best New Campaign. Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters won the Labor Partner of the Year award. Additional awards include:

BEST OF COUNTY

• Clackamas: Oregon City Bi-Mart
• Clark: City of Vancouver
• Multnomah: Ashland Inc.
• Washington: Far West Fibers

BEST OF TRADE

• Auto Dealers: Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships
• Banks / Finance: U.S. Bank
• Education: Multnomah Educational Service District
• Health: Kaiser Permanente
• High Tech: RadiSys Corporation
• Hospitality: Multnomah Athletic Club
• Insurance: Chubb Group of Insurance Companies          
• Government: State of Oregon
• Manufacturing: PCC Structurals
• Retail: Target Stores
• Professional: Geffen Mesher & Company
• Media: Oregonian Publishing Company
• Telecom: AT&T

 Click for the complete list of award winners.

About United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is working to advance the common good in the four-county Portland/Vancouver area by focusing on the basics we all need for success:  education, income, and health. We all win when children succeed in school, families are financially stable and independent, and people have good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. By working together we can create opportunities for a better life and create a stronger community.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. Visit www.unitedway-pdx.org