Cooke's Seafood, Hyannis will donate 20% of the day before Thanksgiving receipts to the Cape and Islands United Way. Many thanks to the good folks at Cooke's Seafood, Hyannis for your generosity and continued support of the Cape and Islands United Way.

The "Rising Tide" program is a new and wonderful collaboration by numerous businesses with the Cape and Islands United Way. Each business pledges a portion of certain proceeds. As we approach the holiday season perhaps you'll consider giving a gift to friends, family and associates from one of our "Rising Tide" participants. And many thanks go out to board member Barry Neagle for his remarkable efforts in getting this program started.

• Wianno Grille in Hyannis will donate 10% of all holiday gift certficate sales
• Double Dory Productions, creators of Cape Codopoly will donate 20% of all proceeds of game sales
• Seafood Sam's in Falmouth and Sandwich will donate 50 cents from every Seafood Dinner for 2
• Midas Service Centers of Cape Cod in Hyannis, Falmouth, Wareham and Orleans will donate $1.00 of every oil change
• Bank of Cape Cod in Hyannis and Osterville will donate $10 for every new account opened in 2009
• Touch Lives with a Gift will donate 15% of sales proceeds

Join us for the Hyannis Stroll and bid on one of our three decorated trees at the "Spectacle of Trees" for a chance to win some wonderful gifts. Or pick out a beautiful collector bear for a lovely gift. For more information please call (508)775-4746.

The Cape and Islands United Way offers a convenient and user-friendly way for individuals or corporations to manage their giving. Simply open a "Philanthropy Account" with $5000 or more and we will manage your designations to anywhere you choose. Please call Richard Brothers at (508) 775-4746 to learn more about the Cape and Islands United Way "Philanthropy Account."

Eighteen United Ways from across the Commonwealth announced that they are responding to widespread increases in need by uniting for a new statewide drive to provide emergency assistance for basic needs this winter. The emergency appeal, called the Community Support Fund, will leverage the support of residents from all corners of the Commonwealth to create a safety net for individuals and families in crisis. The Fund will work in concert with Mass2-1-1, United Way's free health and human service hotline, which will enable people to donate to the fund or access help.

Once again please consider making your first gift of this holiday season a gift to the Cape and Islands United Way. And all of us at the Cape and Islands United Way wish all of you happy, healthy and safe holidays.

If you've never been to this beautiful isle, now is the time. And a wonderful stay at this lovely resort will benefit the Cape and Islands United Way. For more information go to http://www.villageinnstlucia.com/ or call Rich at 508-775-4746