A Heartwarming Story of Triumph

Local and National Heroes Made the Difference

More than 650 guests gathered to hear from local and national heroes on Friday, May 1st at the 2009 Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast. 

Seven local heroes were recognized for their standout achievements within the community they call home after being nominated by Women’s Philanthropy Fund Members. Attendees also had an opportunity to hear from the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year, Liz McCartney, who spoke to the audience about the the power of coming together for something bigger than oneself.

“Changing lives and building communities is not done alone. Combing resources and sharing our talents we can make a difference,” said McCartney. “You are all heroes for the work you do for others.”

After hearing from several woman speakers who benefit from United Way funded programs, the event Emcee, Vicki Vargas, encouraged attendees to “badge themselves” with the help of local Girl Scout troops. These “badges” were heart-shaped stickers that were distributed to all the heroes in the room.

Watch a video of the event here!

Watch an event slideshow here!

For a full list of local heroes in attendance, please visit www.unitedwayoc.org or call Kristin Bush at 949 263 6155.

WPF Breakfast on the Wire!

Learn more about the 6th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on the wire! 

EITC Updates: Have You Heard?

Unlike winter, fall, spring and summer, tax season somehow doesn’t elicit the same emotions. Somehow curling up on the couch with a W2 just doesn’t seem relaxing. Nonetheless, Orange County United Way is doing its part to make tax season a little more rewarding for many families and individuals.

Once again, we have teamed up with 22 of our community partners to offer more than 51 free tax preparation days for those families and individuals who may qualify to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If your household income was less than $42,000 in 2008, you may qualify for the EITC and could get up to $4,824 of your hard-earned dollars back.

Did You KNOW?

• The 2009 campaign launched on Saturday, January 24 and to-date, 1238 families and individuals have accessed the free web-based module and have returned over $774,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits.
• Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez attended a free tax preparation site at the Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana on Saturday, March 14th.
•  There are many more free tax days left – so don’t miss out! If you’re interested in volunteering at any of our tax sites, please contact Liz Lopez at (949) 477-4523.

Check out upcoming dates for Free EITC Days:

EITC Flyer: English

EITC Flyer: Spanish

Super Saturday: English

Super Saturday: Spanish

Upcoming United Way Events

1. It’s Real Estate time everyone! On Thursday, April 16, Orange County United Way is hosting the 10th annual Real Estate and Building Industry Mixer. Coach John Robinson, former Head Football Coach for USC, LA Rams & UNLV, is the keynote speaker and will be accompanied by Terry Donahue and several former NFL players.

Event funds go directly towards programs that support children & youth in Orange County. Haven’t bought your individual ticket yet? They can still be purchased at www.RealEstate2009.kintera.org. Call (9449) 263-6160 for any sponsorship or individual ticket questions.

2.  And for each of you who believe in women’s issues – this next event is for you! The 6th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast is fast-approaching on Friday, May 1st and all funds support women and girls issues in Orange County. There are still sponsorship opportunities available so don’t miss out.

Keynote speaker Liz McCartney was awarded the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year for her work in New Orleans. She co-founded St. Bernard Parish and rebuilds homes for a budget as low as $12,000.00. Learn more about Liz at www.WPFBreakfast.kintera.org.

3. And finally, as most of you have heard (lets hope), WALK UNITED, a family-friendly 5K walk & resource fair will be June 7th at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels Baseball Foundation partnered with United Way to create resources and dollars for those lacking the most essential of needs. With the current state of our community, residents need medical care, food, shelter and other services most of us take for granted.

You can join a team, start your own, or volunteer. Sign-up now and find out more at www.WALKUNITED.com.