Orange County United Way Celebrates UNITED for National Philanthropy Day

Join us November 18th for National Philanthropy Day as Orange County United Way provides vitally needed supplies for Oak View Elementary School in support of the El Viento program. Oak View Elementary is in dire need of supplies for both classrooms and playgrounds to excite and educate students. Partner with Orange County United Way as we donate these items and stand together in groups to spell out LIVE UNITED.

Here’s how you can LIVE and GIVE UNITED for National Philanthropy Day:

 • Donate Items from November 4th to 16th and bring to Orange County United Way

• Join United Way and UPS on November 18th at Oak View Elementary as we spell out LIVE UNITED and provide needed supplies

Click here for more information, or to LIVE and GIVE UNITED with us, contact Ryan Mariden at (949) 263-6176 or at RyanM@unitedwayoc.org. Thank You for LIVING and GIVING UNITED

‘Community Impact’ Benefits Everyone When The Economy Is Down

With today’s tough economic situation, it is sometimes difficult to remember that we don’t have to wait for our government to start fixing the problem. 

Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund, established in 2002, provides a means for Orange County women to use their collective financial power to make a difference through United Way.

We can start rejuvenating our communities by building self-sufficient lives together as a team.  We recently received an article about how United Way’s are helping their communities during this tough time.  The article said that even in areas that had high unemployment rates, some United Way’s were able to increase their donations.  How?  By communicating United Way’s mission of building self-sufficient lives.

“Donors and potential donors could see more than our hand out asking for money,” Tina Banner, the Ocala United Way’s chief fund-raiser says. “United Way has something to offer them — tools they can use to put more money in their pocket.”

The concentration on meeting social-services needs is also helping the United Way of Marion County, in Ocala, Fla., where unemployment has reached 12.9 percent, but donations increased by more than 25 percent last year. Like some other United Ways, it has started what it calls a “prosperity campaign,” offering free services to help needy families become financially independent: filing their income tax returns, applying for new tax credits, offering them workshops on personal finance, and a discount prescription drug card.

When we support and build strength in our communities, our communities support us.  It’s an inspiring feeling to think that we the people hold the keys to bringing our communities back to fighting shape!

Source:

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

57% of Nation’s Big United Ways Face Declines

October 15, 2009

A Great Reason To Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early!!

Shop, Save, and Support Orange County United Way at Bloomingdales – October 29

We are thrilled to announce that for the first time, Orange County United Way has been selected as one of 10 beneficiaries of Bloomingdale’s Shopping Benefit! 

Here’s How it Works

• Bring the attached invitation (Click Here) to the charity redemption desk at Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza and/or Fashion Island on October 29, 2009, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Purchase a $10 Shopping Benefit ticket.
• Receive 15 -20% off nearly all items in the store.
• Enjoy live music, fashion events, cooking demonstrations, entertainment for the kids and more.
• The best part is, Orange County United Way will receive a $15 dollar donation for each Shopping Benefit ticket purchased.

As a key partner to the United Way, we would love to see you there, and we would like to ask for your help to spread the word far and wide by sending the attached invitation to your friends, family, colleagues, etc.  This is a great opportunity to save, and to help make a contribution to build self-sufficient lives!

Women Looking Forward/Michael Kors Campaign Kick-Off Event

Orange County United Way’s Women Looking Forward donor circle kicked off the 2009/2010 campaign year Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 with over 50 guests at Michael Kors, South Coast Plaza.  The reception featured an informal fashion show of hot fall fashion trends, Michael Kors giveaways and a drawing for a Michael Kors $500 gift card.  The event raised $1,400.00 for Orange County United Way and celebrated the combined efforts of women philanthropists in Orange County through Women Looking Forward.

Susie McCollom, Cindi Bruner, Jennifer Cagle, Lupe Erwin and Stacy Hakopian model Michael Kors fall fashions at the Women Looking Forward 2009/2010 campaign kick-off event.

Women Looking Forward is a donor circle of committed women within Orange County United Way’s Leaders’ Society.  Each member contributes a minimum of $1,000 annually with United Way.  Women Looking Forward membership provides an opportunity to learn more about the needs in local Orange County communities and become involved in the solution.  Over $200,000 was contributed by Women Looking Forward members in the 2008/2009 campaign year to help Orange County residents most in need build self-sufficient lives. 

“By combining your resources with Women Looking Forward members and other philanthropic investors, your collective charitable contributions improve lives throughout Orange County,” said Jennifer Cagle, Women Looking Forward founding Chair.  “Over the last three years, Women Looking Forward members helped to support over 137,000 families and individuals with essential needs and education and financial literacy programs,” added Cagle.

“Women Looking Forward members play a crucial role in the success of our community programs and over the last three years, Women Looking Forward members have helped build self-sufficient lives with Orange County United Way,” said Maria Chavez Wilcox, President and CEO of Orange County United Way.  “Orange County United Way is extremely grateful to have their support and dedication,” added Wilcox.

Thank you to all who joined us!  This is gonna be a GREAT campaign year!

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