United Way Campaign in Final Weeks - Your Help is Urgently Needed

Only a little more than a month remans in United Way's 2009-10 campaign and a strong final push is needed to ensure that adequate help is available for local families, children and seniors in crisis.

“With Central Florida’s unemployment rate at 12.4% and rising, thousands of residents are struggling to find work and keep a roof over their heads,” said United Way Campaign Chair Des Cummings Jr., Executive Vice President of Business Development for Florida Hospital and the Florida Division of Adventist Health System. “This year, more than ever, we must be ready to help.”

To date, more than 420 local companies have completed workplace campaigns. Still to be reported are many National Corporate Leadership companies, which process their results through United Way Worldwide.

Coming up on May 15 is the campaign’s largest fundraising event, the 18^th Annual  Chef’s Gala, which is co-chaired by Sandy Hostetter, President of CNLBank; and Peter Kacheris, Managing Director of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Hosted and sponsored by WALT DISNEY WORLD®, Chef’s Gala is recognized as the region’s premier fine dining and wine paring charitable event. Last year’s event, attended by more than 1,000 guests, raised more than $170,000 to help local people in need.

Cummings urged companies to support Chef's Gala through sponsorships, purchasing corporate ticket packages or by donating gifts, such as travel getaways, art and sports memorabilia, to the silent auction.

“This event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy terrific food, entertain clients and guests, and give back to the community,” Cummings said. “And with a full 95% of every dollar raised going to help fund local nonprofit programs, Chef’s Gala is truly a tasteful way to make a difference.” 

To learn more about Chef’s Gala, or to purchase corporate ticket packages or individual tickets, click here. For sponsorship information, contact Marta Vargas, United Way Leadership Giving Director, at (407) 835-0923 or e-mail Marta.Vargas@hfuw.org.

To make an immediate donation to United Way s's campaign, click here. 

Heart of Florida United Way wishes to thank these and many other corporate and community partners who have completed outstanding workplace campaigns:

• The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) raised more than $789,000, representing a 14% increase over last year. 
• The Orlando Magic recently presented a check for $91,970, including a generous dollar-for-dollar employee match from the VanderWeide Family Foundation.
• Lockheed Martin, consistently the campaign’s third largest contributor, raised $1,159,946 – a 5.5% increase over last year.
• Tupperware Brands Corporation increased its campaign by an astounding 43% to raise $300,925.   
• Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. contributed more than $100,000.
• Florida Hospital, with tremendous support from Leadership Donors, achieved $264,786, representing a $17,186 increase.  
• Orlando Health increased its campaign by 5% to raise $122,781.
• Dept. of Transportation – Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise raised $26,000 through its annual golf tournament, more than doubling its 2008-09 contribution.