Media Center
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/26/2007 |
Contact: Seandra Sims 302-573-3731 ssims@uwde.org |
STUART OF PNC BANK, HOLDEN OF MERRILL LYNCH TO LEAD 2007 CAMPAIGN
The co-chairs say their goals include ensuring that an increased portion of the dollars raised this year are committed to UWD’s Community Impact Fund, that the campaign extends its reach among small and mid-sized businesses, and that the campaign broadens its reach and scope in Kent and Sussex Counties.
“United Way is the most effective--and the most efficient—way for Delawareans to address the range of problems impacting our community. And by committing all or a portion of each gift to United Way’s Community Impact Fund, donors can address the causes and not just the symptoms of some of those problems,” Ms. Stuart said.
Mr. Holden, who will focus his efforts in Kent and Sussex Counties said, “In this year’s campaign, UWD will introduce five strategic focus areas where we are working closely with other nonprofits, businesses, government, and others to make measurable, sustainable improvements in the quality of life in Delaware. By directing dollars to one or more of these focus areas, donors can participate in these improvements.”
UWD’s five strategic focus areas are:
1. Success By 6 -- aimed at ensuring that pre-school children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed.
2. Healthy & Independent Communities – aimed at providing independence to vulnerable persons via access to transportation, health care, health insurance, and job training and placement.
3. Strong Families, Strong Children – aimed at helping school-aged children succeed, preparing them for healthy, productive adult lives.
4. Strong Neighborhoods – aimed at supporting specific high-risk communities in Delaware.
5. Basic Needs & Self Sufficiency – aimed at ensuring that all Delawareans have access to adequate food and shelter.
The annual campaign kicks off in September, at which time United Way will announce its 2007 fundraising goal. A small number of companies will participate in a “Pacesetter” campaign over the summer months. The results of the Pacesetter campaign will be incorporated in the 2007 campaign kickoff announcement.
In preparation for the campaign, Ms. Stuart and Mr. Holden have assembled a Campaign Cabinet that includes:
(Town of residence in parentheses; campaign sector role in italics)
The Honorable John Carney (Wilmington), Lt. Governor, State of Delaware, State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Co-Chair
The Honorable Jennifer Davis (Camden), State of Delaware, State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Co-Chair
Joseph Hickey (Wilmington), State of Delaware, State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Co-Chair
The Honorable Cari DeSantis (Hockessin), Delaware Dept. of Children, Youth & Their Families, Public Sector Chair
Jim Wolfe , Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Loaned Executive Chair
Cathy Burris (Wilmington/Lewes) , Community Volunteer, Chair’s Advisory Team
Kathleen Cross (Hockessin) of PNC Bank, Chair’s Advisory Team
Sam Lathem (Bear), AFL-CIO of Delaware, Labor Chair
Mark Kleinschmidt , New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, New Business Development Chair
Henry Fulton (Wilmington), Bank of America, Pacesetter Chair
Chris & Mati Buccini (Wilmington), Buccini-Pollin Group, Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs
David Elkins (Wilmington), AstraZeneca, Business Group Chair
Carl Lukach (Rockland), DuPont, DuPont Co-Chair
Cynthia Green (Landenberg, PA), DuPont, DuPont Co-Chair
George English , Blue Cross Blue Shield, Business & Industry Chair
Ken Gomeringer , Valero, Labor Group Chair
Joe Yacyshyn (Hockessin), Wilmington Trust, Finance Group Chair and Banks & Financial Institutions Chair
Katie Morgan (Wilmington), Bank of America, Bank of America Chair
Eric Davis (Wilmington), Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Professionals & Individuals Group Chair
Barry Willoughby , Accountants & Attorneys Chair
Fred Sears , Delaware Community Foundation, Foundations Chair
Dr. Scott Miller , Wesley College, Kent County Chair
Dr. James Newman (Wilmington), Christiana Care Health System, Healthcare Chair
Cathie Field Lloyd (Wilmington), Opportunity Center, Inc., Agencies Co-Chair
John Moore (Magnolia), Delaware Parents Association, Agencies Co-Chair
Craig Crouch , Kent-Sussex Industries, Agencies Co-Chairs
Gregory Vandevere , U.S. Postal Service, Combined Federal Campaign Chair
Dr. Jack Varsalona (Wilmington), Wilmington College, Education Chair
Lynne Howard (Milford), New Castle County Government, Local Government Chair
United Way of Delaware’s mission is to maximize the community's resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans. Through its Community Impact Fund ,United Way invests in quality programs addressing Delaware's wide range of critical needs, including resources for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. For more information, call (302) 573-3700 or visit www.uwde.org.