Valley of the Sun United Way is recognizing community partners for supporting three vital community objectives that transform individual lives across the Valley.
Valley of the Sun United Way named volunteers, donors and community partners as recipients of special awards that highlight their dedication to its three bold community objectives: Ensure Children and Youth Succeed, Increase the Financial Stability of Individuals and Families, and End Hunger and Homelessness. United Way is building caring communities where each person has the opportunity to achieve the aspirations we all share: a good education for our children, a roof over our heads, a meal on the table and the security that comes with financial self-sufficiency.
“We rely on the passion and determination of countless donors, volunteers and supporters to transform lives and build a strong community,” said Valley of the Sun United Way President and CEO Merl Waschler. “Our supporters’ generosity and dedication make the Valley a better place for us all to live, work and raise our families.”
United Way proudly announced that its 2012 Annual Workforce Campaign raised $48 million, reaching its goal. In fact, the annual contributions combined with grant funding and other revenue sources drove United Way’s total revenue to $110 million. United Way is the largest non-profit investor in health and human service programs in Maricopa County.
Visit http://www.vsuw.org/give/2013-top-campaigns for a full listing of the awards and to learn more about the community’s support of United Way’s Community Objectives and the individual lives transformed :
• Ensure Children and Youth Succeed: Luis is a young teen who was struggling to succeed in middle school but with support and mentorship through United Way’s Destination Graduation program, he is on track to graduate high school and plans to attend college. Katie is a hardworking mom and recipient of a School Readiness Kit, equipped with books, learning tips and resources to help prepare her young son Levi for success in kindergarten.
• Increase the Financial Stability of Individuals and Families: After being laid off, Beatriz received help getting back on her feet through United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax assistance program and financial literacy coaching.
• End Hunger and Homelessness: Marty was living on the streets for more than 10 years but now has a stable place to call home in United Way’s Permanent Supportive Housing Tempe Pilot program. He is now on the road to stability.
The following recognitions are awarded to United Way’s business supporters:
• US Airways, Chairman’s Award
• Snell & Wilmer, Spirit of Caring Award
• Wells Fargo, Community Impact Award
• Scottsdale Insurance Company, Sustaining Supporter Award presented by Intel Corporation
• APS, Tocqueville Campaign Excellence Award
• AAA Arizona, Leadership Giving Award
• Native American Connections, Outstanding Non-profit Campaign Award
• BMO Harris Bank and Target, Innovative Partnership Award
Chairman’s Award was awarded to US Airways and its employees. The Chairman’s Award is selected by the Campaign Chair and recognizes a business supporter for the success of its employee campaign. Our hometown airline soared to new heights with an 18 percent increase in investment to advance United Way’s community objectives, and countless volunteer hours. US Airways collected books for the Women’s Leadership Council drive, helping families set up mini-home libraries. An annual toiletry drive provided basic necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Snell & Wilmer was selected for the Spirit of Caring Award for its dedication during the past decade to support youth with a $1 million commitment to programs that ensure children are ready to succeed in kindergarten.
Wells Fargo was awarded the Community Impact Award focusing on what it does best, supporting United Way’s community objective to increase the financial stability of individuals and families. This year, the bank is also recognized for outstanding volunteer support, significant grant funding and inspired leadership.
Scottsdale Insurance Company received the Sustaining Supporter Award presented by Intel Corporation for its commitment to transforming lives, with 90 percent campaign participation. The company also rallied support for the Women’s Leadership Council book drive.
APS landed the Tocqueville Campaign Excellence Award in honor of its long-standing commitment to United Way through volunteering, advocating and giving. This year, APS obtained a 75 percent increase in donations.
AAA Arizona received the Leadership Giving Award to recognize unique and dedicated givers, this year increasing their campaign by nearly 13 percent. AAA’s Leadership Givers set the standard in giving back generously through their campaign and monthly volunteer projects.
Native American Connections was honored with the Outstanding Non-profit Campaign Award in recognition of their dedication to making Encanto Pointe permanent supportive housing community a reality, taking a big step forward in the community objective to end homelessness. Encanto Pointe is home to 54 individuals on their journey to end chronic homelessness.
BMO Harris Bank and Target were recognized with the Innovative Partnership Award for their work with the Encanto Pointe permanent supportive housing community and the End Hunger Team. With a generous gift and volunteers from BMO Harris Bank along with Target’s volunteer muscle, Encanto Pointe’s 54 apartment homes were stocked with unique household items. Their work is helping individuals who faced chronic homelessness take steps to increased independence.
Additionally, the following organizations were honored for their exceptional community spirit and commitment:
$8 MILLION DOLLAR CLUB
Intel Corporation
$3 MILLION DOLLAR CLUB
APS/Pinnacle West
Wells Fargo
$1 MILLION DOLLAR CLUB
Salt River Project
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
Maricopa County Combined Federal Campaign
City of Phoenix
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Inc.
General Dynamics
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way works to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness and increase the financial stability of individuals and families in Maricopa County.
