About UWSEPA
From the President's Office
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
President's Newsletter: December 2008
Dear Friend:
As we enter the holiday season and another year comes to an end, I look back at what an amazing twelve months we just shared as friends, staff, donors and volunteers. United Way closed out the last campaign at $54 million and we have our sights set on achieving a similar number this year. We said farewell to Alba Martinez with gratitude and appreciation as she left her mark forever on this organization. We delivered over 2000 school bags to homeless children through Stuff the Bus, we provided over $10,000 worth of turkeys with our first ever Turkey Drive, collected hundreds of coats and blankets through Share the Warmth and we broke records at Days of Caring with over 7000 volunteers.
After years of hard work and the dedication of hundreds of staff and volunteers, we delivered our Investing in Results strategy to the region and began the process of measurable change - measurable results in Education for Children, Income for Families and Health for Seniors. Truly a benchmark event for all of us.
But as we approach 2009, there are many challenges facing our community, many that would have seemed impossible just a short time ago. Record unemployment, food shortages, housing foreclosures and an uncertainty that we have not experienced in generations. But difficult times often bring about the creativity and generosity in us. Comcast and PricewaterhouseCoopers turned their usual corporate holiday merriment into holiday caring with generous donations to United Way in lieu of corporate celebrations. The Philadelphia Eagles and Joe Banner helped us create a new LIVE UNITED PSA featuring 12 Eagles players. Is it just a coincidence that since we started running the new PSA that the Eagles are undefeated? In sports, as in life, a difficult year can often turn around in a moment with the prospect of great things to come. (Go Eagles!)
The issues we face are great but I believe that by joining together the forces of donors, volunteers, corporate partners, labor and community leaders throughout the region, we will be able to create opportunities and advance the common good for all. It won't be an easy year but my faith in our collective ability to give, advocate and volunteer- to LIVE UNITED, makes me thankful that I am part of this amazing community.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday,
Jill M. Michal
President and CEO
p.s. - Help make the Holidays special for a family in need
through United Way's
LIVE
UNITED Holiday Turkey Drive.
View all issues of the President's Newsletter >>
 Preparing Children to Succeed in School and in Life |
 Building Financial Stability and Independence for Families |
 Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home |
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