Honoring the spirit of community, more than 350 local business and community leaders gathered on April 29 to celebrate the successful conclusion of
United Way’s 2009-10 campaign.

$26.5 Million Total Resources

During the event it was announced that United Way’s total projected revenue is $26.5 million* for fiscal year 2009-10. This includes $17,117,229 raised during the annual workplace campaign, which helps fund nearly 100 local health and human service programs.

“I am awed by Central Florida’s outpouring of compassion and support on behalf of local people in need,” said Campaign Chair Des Cummings Jr., Executive Vice President of Florida Hospital and the Florida Division of AHS. “When the campaign kicked off last September, we knew the road ahead would be difficult, but we also knew that we could count on the unwavering support of our generous community.”

A focal point of the event was a moving story shared by Chris Matos, 19, who turned to drugs, truancy and gangs after witnessing the violent death of his best friend at the age of 15. Thanks to help received through Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a United Way partner agency, Chris was able to overcome his grief and anger and is now rebuilding his life. Click here to view his inspiring story.

Corporate Partners & Champions Honored

The celebration was emceed by WKMG Local 6 Anchor Lauren Rowe who helped honor dozens of corporate partners and individuals who supported the campaign in outstanding ways. Highlights included:

• The Walt Disney Company, Publix Supermarkets and Lockheed Martin Corporation were honored as Million Dollar Champions for raising $3.2 million, $2.35 million, and $1.16 million, respectively.
  

• Tupperware Brands Corporation received the Chairman’s Award for achieving outstanding results by following best practices. Other nominees included Enterprise Holdings, Florida Hospital, Orange County Government, the Orlando Magic and Wachovia/Wells Fargo.
  

• Zachry Construction Company received the LIVE UNITED Spirit Award for running an inspirational workplace campaign. Other nominees included The Golf Channel/Comcast, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Regions Bank, PCL Construction, Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C) and the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
  

• Don Gately, Central Florida District Manager for UPS, was recognized as a Phenomenal Executive Champion for his extraordinary campaign leadership.
  

• Allison Dufresne of Enterprise Holdings was presented with the Exceptional Employee Campaign Manager Award for her outstanding efforts to inspire and motivate others.

*The workplace campaign accounts for the largest portion of funds, managed or distributed by United Way. The additional funds include federal grants such as Ryan White ($2 million) for HIV/AIDS; Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing (HPRP) ($2.5 million); and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program ($1.5 million). HFUW also solicits and administers several state and private foundation grants such as one for crisis counseling services provided by United Way 2-1-1, which is funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families ($200,000).