United Way Announces Campaign Award Winners:
Que Le wins Car in Sweepstakes drawing
March 12, 2009
United Way on Thursday, March 12 recognized donors and employers
who ran outstanding fundraising campaigns to benefit kids and families
in Snohomish County through United Way’s Local Community Fund.
Que Le, right, of Providence Regional Medical Center Everett was the winner of the United Way Car Sweepstakes, a campaign incentive that raised over $250,000 in new donations. The winner may choose $10,000 in cash or a new car from one of five sponsoring dealerships: Brien Ford/Mitsubishi, Klein Honda, Performance Nissan-Kia, Pignataro Volkswagen and Rodland Toyota/Scion.
“I always say that this community will respond if they understand the need. In these challenging times, the need is even greater and I can’t say enough to thank all those who gave to help others every day by giving to United Way,” said 2008 Campaign Chair Buzz Rodland. “Over 16,000 donors are part of this tremendous community effort. We had 472 new Leaders In Giving who gave over $500. This year, 39 families also gave personal gifts of $10,000 or more to United Way. That’s an incredible response, but we’re not done yet. Companies are still running campaigns this spring, and every dollar is really needed this year.”
This year’s final campaign total and the amount raised for United Way’s Local Community Fund will be announced at the close of spring campaigns in June. Last year, the campaign raised $10.1 million, with $6.7 million of that for the Local Community Fund, said Carl Zapora, president and CEO for United Way of Snohomish County. Overall giving this year is expected to be down about three percent.
Although donors may designate their giving to any eligible charity, United Way focuses on giving directed to its Local Community Fund, which supports a wide variety of health and human services in Snohomish County.
“United Way’s mission is improving lives for kids, families and communities in Snohomish County. That’s why the Local Community Fund is so critical—it’s the support people rely on every day right here,” Rodland said. “In times when every dollar counts, I think people appreciate knowing that United Way monitors all donations to the Local Community Fund.”
Currently, the Local Community Fund supports $3 million annually in grants to 91 local nonprofit programs as well as initiatives in early learning, financial stability, the Volunteer Center and the 211 helpline.
Cascade Bank and Mukilteo School District were recognized with the top award of the evening, the President’s Award. The President’s Award honors the two most outstanding campaigns, one at a for-profit company and one a nonprofit. Cascade Bank gave $88,000--a 23% increase over last year. Mukilteo School District employees increased their giving by 7%, with 77% of donations given to the Local Community Fund.
The Chair Award recognizes leadership by top management. Winners were James Yelle, CEO of Royell Manufacturing, Inc. and Scott Washburn of YMCA of Snohomish County. The Employee Campaign Manager of the Year Award recognizes the team leaders who do the “hands on” work of running campaigns in their organizations. Winners were Angie Lamie of Royell Manufacturing and Tina Gilson of Providence Regional Medical Center-Everett.
The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound, The Boeing Company and Premera Blue Cross were recognized as the three largest contributors, with gifts of $1.9 million, $800,000 and $395,000 respectively.
Matt Reinhard, of Rhino Ventures, LLC, will serve as 2009 Campaign Chairman.
Event sponsors were: The Boeing Company, Rodland Toyota/Scion, The Everett Clinic, Frontier Bank, Provider Regional Medical Center-Everett, Cascade Bank, Fluke, Comcast, The Herald, and Comcast Arena.
See our list of award winners.