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4/26/2010

John C. Haas and the Wyncote Foundation have made an $8 million endowment gift to United Way, the single largest gift in the history of UWSEPA.

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (UWSEPA) announced today, April 26, 2010, that philanthropist John C. Haas and the Wyncote Foundation have made an $8 million endowment gift to United Way, the single largest gift in the history of UWSEPA.

By endowing his annual gift, Mr. Haas is helping to ensure that United Way can continue to bring positive lasting change in the areas of Education for Children, Income for Families and Health for Seniors. The Haas gift will be used to support in perpetuity the United Way Tocqueville Society (individuals who give $10,000+ annually) which was founded by Mr. Haas and the late Walter Annenberg. The Tocqueville Society promotes and recognizes the vital importance of community service and exceptional personal giving. These 520 civic-minded leaders are guided by a powerful legacy that will shape the future of the region for years to come.

John Haas was also one of the founders of the regional United Way association and has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to United Way. His vision that regional United Way’s working in partnership can better serve the business community has been an inspiration for the collective work of the United Way system. Mr. Haas represents the best of regional vision, collaboration and support for philanthropy. According to Mr. Haas, “We live in a community that shares borders and boundaries as well as issues and the issues that concern people are often regional in nature. I believe in and support United Way because they are working to improve the quality of life in the entire Greater Philadelphia area.”

“We talk to young people about needing mentors to guide them on the pathway to success, and we talk to adults about the need to model positive behaviors for their children in order to raise them to be productive members of our community, said Jill Michal, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. John is too humble to admit it, but he has mentored an entire region and this gift will allow so many to follow the outstanding model he has set for generations to come.”