FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/19/2007

Contact: Seandra Sims 302-573-3731 ssims@uwde.org

UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO RAISE $22 MILLION

Wilmington, Del. (September 19, 2007) – United Way of Delaware launched its 2007 fundraising campaign at events across the state today with a goal of $22 million. The state’s largest nonprofit fundraising organization reported that early commitments to the campaign have already raised over $5 million of that goal.

The 2007 Campaign is being led by co-chairs Connie Bond Stuart, president of PNC Bank Delaware, and Wayne Holden, financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. “With more than 20 percent of our goal already in hand, Delaware’s 2007 United Way campaign is off to a terrific start,” said Ms. Stuart.

“We’ve only just begun,” added Mr. Holden. “With the energy and commitment of campaign volunteers and the compassion and generosity of the people and corporations of Delaware, we believe United Way of Delaware can put this year’s campaign over the top,” he added.

Ms. Stuart and Mr. Holden traveled the state today to host campaign kickoff events at three companies that support United Way in Sussex, Kent, and New Castle counties, including AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, a top five pharmaceutical company and lead supporter for United Way’s Healthy and Independent Communities™ partnership. “The energy we felt at AstraZeneca today is the same energy that thousands of Delawareans will experience at campaign events in their workplaces and at other fundraising events over the next three months. We strongly encourage everyone to participate and to become part of the excitement of the 2007 United Way campaign,” said Mr. Holden.

“One of the great things about giving through United Way is that, no matter the size of your donation, you can be confident that it will be combined effectively with donations from thousands of others to create a powerful impact in our state,” said Ms. Stuart. “Many social service agencies rely on the success of each year’s campaign to continue the work that benefits us all,” she added.

Community Impact Fund Donations Are Vital
This year, United Way leaders are stressing the importance of designating all or a portion of every gift to United Way of Delaware’s Community Impact Fund. The fund is a general pool of support that allows donors to address the state’s most critical needs with a single donation. Donations to the Community Impact Fund benefit programs within Delaware’s health and human service infrastructure, including those that address basic needs (such as food and shelter), children and youth issues like education and child abuse, senior care and assistance for persons with disabilities, prenatal care for expectant mothers, and much more.

“Supporting the Community Impact Fund is the most effective way to do the most good for the most agencies with a single donation,” said United Way of Delaware president, Drew Langloh. Mr. Langloh added, “United Way wants Delawareans to know that we have listened to their ideas about where United Way should be focusing its support in the years ahead. As a result, United Way of Delaware is unveiling some unique investment opportunities this year to allow donors to target their gifts to the issues they care about most through the Community Impact Fund.”

The 2007 Campaign will run through late December, although United Way of Delaware welcomes donations throughout the year. For more information or to make a donation, please contact United Way of Delaware at (302) 573-3700 or visit us on the web at www.uwde.org

United Way of Delaware: Impacting our community by focusing on what matters…changing lives.