Chairman's Corner
 We all know that these are uncertain times and that there are increasing needs for services and assistance for families throughout our region.
I have been encouraged by the hard work I've seen from everyone. I am very confident that if each of us looks for ways that we can help, we will continue the rich tradition of caring for each other that sets our community apart. Join me in making this year's campaign a success and keeping the Greater Richmond & Petersburg region strong!
Craig Smith
President & CEO, Owens & Minor
2009 United Way Campaign Chair |
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Gauging Progress
Report from a partner agency food bank: 3,000 in need served - another 8,000 turned away.
Your generous support is the reason  United Way has made progress on many of the challenges our community faces. But with increased reports like the above, it's clear that the needs are urgent.
At this mid-point in the campaign, many companies and individuals like you continue to step up to support our community, despite hard economic times. So far, 44 companies have completed their campaigns, with 27 reporting increases in giving. The preliminary results from another 43 indicate they are above last year's giving level.
While this is great news, we still need every company, every individual and every dollar to continue our progress and make a difference throughout our region.
Remember, every gift counts and our community is counting on you.
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Calling All Businesses
Run a United Way Workplace Campaign Today!
United Way urges all local businesses to join in strengthening our community by running a United Way campaign at your company. Through a workplace campaign, you give your employees an easy way to make an impact on critical needs. Contact us today for details.
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In the News . . .
United Way knows the power of uniting people for change. Check out these great collaborative efforts we're very proud to showcase.
United for Change
Women's Leadership Initiative
No one could miss the energy created by the 300 women leaders who gathered at the recent 2009 Women's Leadership Initiative Breakfast. United by the goal of preparing today's children to be tomorrow's leaders, committed women from across our region are joining together to Give, Advocate and Volunteer on behalf of young children, especially the thousands who are living in poverty.
Mobilizing the caring power of women! That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.
(Photo: Women's Leadership Initiative members - Gail Letts, SunTrust Bank and Delegate Rosalyn Dance.) |
Pathways for Success
Dropout Prevention Summit
 What do you get when you bring together more than 250 of the region's top educators, civic leaders, representatives from the business, nonprofit and faith communities, along with concerned citizens? An action plan to keep students in school.
Did you know that during the 2007/08 school year alone, more than 2,000 seventh through twelfth graders dropped out of school in Central Virginia? This startling fact led to a one-day summit, under the leadership of United Way, Communities in Schools of Richmond and Richmond Public Schools, to end the school dropout crisis in our community. This summit was just the beginning - now the real work begins.
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Special Recognition
United Way salutes these local businesses that have stepped up and joined this year's campaign effort:
Aero Integrated Solutions
Dinwiddie Public Schools
Fidelity National Title Group
Harris Williams
Illinois Mutual
Lenscrafters
MassMutual/Financial Group of Virginia
Virginia Credit Union
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