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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT WITH:
THE WILLIAM B. QUARTON SOCIETY
What is the Quarton Society?
United Way's W. B. Quarton Society was named in honor of Cedar Rapids philanthropist, William B. Quarton. Bill Quarton was a pioneer in the radio industry. He started at KWCR in 1933 and later helped to merge the station with WMT. Bill was an industry leader, and in 1953, Quarton's visionary leadership brought one of the first television stations to eastern Iowa, WMT-TV, now KGAN-TV.
During his lifetime, Quarton made contributing to our community a top priority and was instrumental in revitalizing the Greater Cedar
Rapids Community Foundation. He was a major donor to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the University of Iowa. One of his many goals was to continue to enhance the quality of life in our city.
The Quarton Society currently has more than 2,940 individuals who contribute $500 - $1,249 to United Way of East Central Iowa.
What projects are supported by the Quarton Society?
Funds raised by Quarton members support United Way's general campaign providing funding to 40 partner agencies. These partner
agencies focus on positive, lasting change in education, income and health to improve the lives of those most in need. Quarton members
are encouraged to make a difference in someone's life by volunteering their time, speaking up for a cause and through their giving.
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QUARTON COMMITTEE MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
National "Make a Difference Day" was Saturday, Oct. 23. Despite some sprinkles and overcast skies, committee members worked hard on painting homes for Habitat for Humanity. |
How can Quarton members become involved?
With nearly 3,000 Quarton Society members, the Quarton committee felt that one way their members could make a significant impact in our community was through volunteering. The committee recognizes that much of the work done at our community partners would not get done without the help of volunteers. In Cedar Rapids, volunteers contribute an average of 47.9 hours per year. With a national volunteer rate calculated at $20.58 per hour, this translates to an average benefit of approximately $1,000 per year for each volunteer. Over the next year, the Quarton committee will focus on promoting volunteer opportunities to members in an effort to make a greater difference in our community.
How can one learn more about volunteer opportunities?
United Way's Volunteer Center creates connections between volunteer opportunities and individuals or groups interested in helping. To find a volunteer opportunity that is suited for you, search the online database, www.corridorvolunteers.org. Use the site to Search for an organization near you, a cause that is important to you or an opportunity that matches your skills and interests.
What are the benefits of being a Quarton member?
Quarton Society members enjoy recognition in United Way's annual Leadership Directory available on our website. Invitations to special events are offered to members, along with networking and volunteer opportunities.
MEET THE QUARTON COMMITTEE
Brian Frese, AEGON USA, Co-chair
Brent Foss, Rockwell Collins
Brad Hepner, Whirlpool Amana
Colleen Hepner, Kaplan University
Heather Lynxwiler, OPN Architects, Co-chair
Ben Rogers, Linn County Supervisor
Stephanie Neighbor-Kubik, Farmers State Bank
We need you!
If you are interested in serving on the Quarton Society Committee, please contact Nancy Craig at (319) 398-5372, ext. 18 or ncraig@uweci.org. |
| UWECI'S 2010 CAMPAIGN HITS HALFWAY POINT | |
The 2010 Annual Campaign is officially halfway done! This year's campaign began on Sept. 13th when UWECI announced the organization's five-year community goals and 2010 fundraising goal of $10,350,000. For those who have already contributed to this year's campaign - thank you! Your support is making a difference in the lives of those most in need. If you haven't yet made a contribution, there is still time to donate. Call United Way at 319-390-5378 ext. 32, or donate online at www.uweci.org using your credit card or checking account. When you give to United Way you are helping to provide the building blocks for a better life for people right here in Eastern Iowa. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED. |
| WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR DENTAL ASSISTANCE | |
The Iowa Mission of Mercy was recently held in downtown Cedar Rapids. The IMOM provided two days of free dental care on a first come - first serve basis. More than 1,000 dentists, dental professionals and lay volunteers provided the equivalent of $950,000 in free care to 1,555 patients. Some patients spent more than 12 hours in line to receive care; others were turned away as the lines became too long. In an effort to reach out to those women who were not able to get help during the two-day event, the Women's Leadership Initiative committee has allocated $12,500 in additional funding to the Community Health Free Clinic (CHFC). The clinic will provide a dental voucher for needed dental care including extractions, fillings and cleanings to women who were unable to get services at the IMOM event. The WLI is pleased to partner with the CHFC to meet the needs of uninsured and underinsured women in our area. |
| SINCLAIR SOCIETY MEMBERS ENJOY RECEPTION |
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Attendees enjoy conversation, drinks and hors d'oeuvres along with other leadership givers. |
On a crisp fall evening, Sinclair Society members spent time visiting with one another at the home of Steve and Sally Gray. What a beautiful setting for our leadership event! Everyone seemed to enjoy the chance to connect with others committed to making our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. |
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE HOSTS TOUR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH FREE CLINIC
Community members were able to see first hand the wonderful work done at the Community Health Free Clinic during a recent tour and open house at the clinic. The WLI currently supports programs which provide prescription assistance and emergency dental care to women in need seen at the clinic. Last year, the CHFC provided free medical, dental, vision and pharmaceutical services to 13,000 patients. To view more photos of the CHFC, click here. |
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UWECI LAUNCHES TEXT-TO-GIVE PROGRAM
United Way of East Central Iowa has launched a "Text-To-Give" program, with all proceeds used to purchase books for early childhood programs which serve low-income populations. Each text contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar with funds from the Young Leaders Society, which makes the buying power of contributions made through the "Text-To-Give" program greater than individual donations.
Here's how it works: Now through November 24, anyone with a mobile phone with text messaging capability can text "UWECI" to "864833" to make a $5.00 contribution. A one-time charge of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. |
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
We all have special talents - things we can do to help. Make a difference in someone's life by getting involved. Give an hour. Give a day. Give your best and enjoy the chance to create a brighter future. Take a look at some of the ways you can be part of the change in each of our impact areas.
EDUCATION
THE ARC OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA: MENTOR CONNECTION
In this program, adults with an intellectual and/or developmental disability receive guidance from a community volunteer.
Volunteers are matched with an adult in a one-to-one friendship for at least a year.
There are 20 people currently on the waiting list for a mentor. Learn more
CATHERINE McCAULEY CENTER: LITERACY TUTOR
Literacy Tutors are needed to assist with building educational skills one-on-one with adult students. Many students are learning English, preparing for the GED test or U.S. citizenship interview, or improving their basic literacy or math skills. The Center currently has 38 students waiting to be matched with a tutor. Learn more
INCOME
HACAP: HAWKEYE AREA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM Volunteers play a key role in helping HACAP decrease the impact poverty has on individuals and families. Volunteers are involved with events and programs which include the Adopt-a-Family Program, Freedom from Hunger Food Drive, Head Start Reading Program and Homeless Children's Trust. Learn more
HEALTH
AGING SERVICES, INC.: CHORE SERVICES VOLUNTEER
Many seniors have limited incomes that prevent them from hiring contractors; others face failing physical abilities that prevent them from completing the projects they used to do. Chore Volunteers make a hands-on difference in areas such as: yard maintenance, material pick up and delivery and miscellaneous home projects (e.g.: hang a shelf, set up a new bed, rearrange furniture) The program currently needs 10+ recurrent volunteers to complete chore repairs on an ongoing basis. Requests for assistance are received nearly every day and some seniors wait weeks, if not months, for assistance. Learn more
HORIZONS: MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Meals On Wheels volunteers deliver noontime meals everyday. But, they deliver much more than nutritious food. Visits mean contact with the outside world and the chance for seniors to remain at home. Volunteers choose to serve either daily, weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis. The program currently needs 25 volunteers. Horizons' also has openings for volunteers in other programs including clerical support, fundraising, or special events. Learn more |
Upcoming Events
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UNITED WAY MOVES TO THE HUMAN SERVICES CAMPUS OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA
Jan. 3-4, 2011
Our offices will be closed Jan. 3-4 for the move to the Human Services Campus, 317 7th Avenue SE, and will re-open for business at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
CAMPAIGN CELEBRATION AND TOUR
Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011
5:30-7 p.m.
The celebration will take place at the Human Services Campus. More details to come in the next Leadership Giving E-newsletter. |
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