United Way - Thanks for Advancing The Common Good

Thank You! Thank You!

Our annual fundraising campaign is going well, all thanks to those individuals and businesses that have made their pledges and donations. Many companies have completed their campaigns, but have not yet had a chance to report their final figures. And, several companies have yet to begin their campaigns, so it's early yet.

Our goal is to raise $1.15 million for the coming year by December 31, 2011. At this time we have collected over $420,000.00 with lots more company reports coming in daily.

If you have made your gift, Thank You! If you haven't made your donation yet, please contact us at 785-827-1312.

Help us finish strong, help us strengthen our community!

Holiday Greetings!

To all of you, Salina Area United Way sends warmest greetings during this holiday season. We wish you peace, love and joy as we move into the new year, and hope for financial stability, good health and all good things for you and your families.

With appreciation,
Salina Area United Way

Join us for a Sp ecial 75th Anniversary Reception at the Salina Symphony

Saturday December 17, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM CST

In the spirit of the season, the Salina Area United Way is celebrating 75 years of strengthening our community. This concert will also feature the premiere of an original composition by Ann Zimmerman titled "Winter Solstice: Hymn for Dark Times." Zimmerman commissioned the piece to celebrate the Salina Area United Way's 75th Anniversary. Click here to register for the reception.

"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more,

but those giving more." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Tell 5, Ask 5, Give 5 familywize card

Tell 5 about SAUW and Familywise then...

Ask 5 if they have made a gift to SAUW,

If not, ask them to GIVE 5 minutes or $5....

As you know, for so many people, the greatest gift of the holiday season is the feeling they get when they've helped someone else.

Many United Ways have said that FamilyWize cards don't just help people get the medicine they need, they also increase awareness of what United Way is doing in the community. And, they are a great way for individuals to make a difference, one-to-one; with people they know and want to help.

Salina Area United Way is asking companies, schools, churches and organizations to ask all their employees, students, congregants and clients to give 5 minutes to help 5 people.

FamilyWize cards are a gift, or with gifts, keep on giving throughout the year. People give them to friends, co-workers, or even people they see in a store or on the street as a simple act of kindness. Then they ask them to pass it along if they don't need it for themselves.

We created a simple information flyer that can accompany five cards.

We hope this idea helps strengthen our community as well. Our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season to you, your family and everyone in Salina!

Strengthening the Health of Our Community - Success Stories

If you would like to learn more about how United Way is strengthening the health of our community you can click on any of the links below to see a thank you letter for each of the following organizations.

Central Kansas Foundation, Pathways Counseling Center

United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas, Family Support Services

United Plates of Possibility Provides Fun for All

With holiday excitement in the air a group of 65 loyal Salina Area United Way volunteers and donors gathered at the Smoky Hill Museum to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the United Way in Saline County. After months of preparation and support, Robin and Julie Cates, co-owners of On the Pot, and Karen Couch, SAUW Board Member, opened the bidding on 50 hand painted plates. In 45 minutes of silent auction bidding participants raised just over $1,000.00. The real excitement of the evening was the live action hosted by Terry Zimmer, Hico Motor Co.of Salina, Kansas. Andy Martin, Executive Director, SAUW, noted, "It was amazing to see the generosity and passion for these wonderful works of art. We made $1,400.00 on just 10 plates, that is awesome." The highest bid for a plate was $225.00 painted by Elaine Edwards, Executive Director, Salina Child Care Association. In short, by uniting the possibility of a few simple plates the SAUW raised $3,200.00 in profit. Thank you to all the volunteers who painted plates and to all the donors who will have plates of possibility for years to come.

Outgoing Board Members

Our thanks and appreciation to Greg Davis, Roger Flax, and Patrick Salmans for their dedication and willingness to strengthen our community through their board membership terms.