Did You Know?

The money raised in Greater Milwaukee stays in Greater Milwaukee supporting local programs and helping local people. This makes United Way of Greater Milwaukee the largest health and human services funder in our community.

United Way Awards $55,000 to Support Emergency Food Needs

On August 3, United Way’s Executive Committee approved awarding $55,000 to support emergency food needs in response to the recent floods and relief needed in our community.

$50,000 was awarded to the Hunger Task Force (HTF), with a portion of the dollars to be distributed to two UWGM partner pantries: Friedens and Milwaukee Christian Center, which have seen a significant increase in clients since the flood occurred. The remaining dollars will be used at the discretion of HTF, to reach those pantries with the highest demand.

An additional $5,000 was awarded to our partner Bay View Community Center, which is not in the HTF network, but is experiencing significant increases in demand at their pantry, which they have opened up community-wide, rather than limiting it by zip code, to help those affected by the floods.

United Way Awards $15,000 to Assist Flood Relief Efforts

On July 27, United Way’s Executive Committee approved two emergency grants to assist our community with the flood relief efforts. A $10,000 grant was given to IMPACT to increase capacity at 2-1-1 which is simply overwhelmed with calls after the floods. A $5,000 grant was given to the City of Milwaukee Health Department to purchase emergency clean-up kits. These kits contain cleaning supplies, including bleach, which will help families make their homes healthy and safe post-flooding. The $5,000 grant will purchase 250 kits.

Campaign Kickoff Information

Come celebrate our community at the Campaign Kickoff held at Miller Park on Thursday, September 2 at 5 p.m. Join us for the announcement of the 2010 Community Campaign goal.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the program at 5 p.m. – featuring a special delivery from UPS – followed by a reception.
 
RSVP by August 27: $10 per person or $125 per 10-person company row. Register online here or email: rsvp@unitedwaymilwaukee.org.

For directions click here.

Contact Jane Bastian at 414-263-8108 with any questions.

Thank you to our event sponsors the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club and MillerCoors.

Days of Caring: September 13-24, 2010

Join thousands of committed volunteers to make an immediate, visible difference at nonprofit agencies throughout the Greater Milwaukee area. United Way and the Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee invite you and your co-workers to put your talents to work through the annual Days of Caring program. By helping today, we strengthen tomorrow.

Days of Caring hosts a diverse range of volunteer projects that meet the interests and schedule of your organization. Some volunteer groups enjoy hands-on improvement projects like painting or yard work, while others engage in interactive social activities with kids or older adults. Many others collect school supplies, non-perishable food and other items that are often taken for granted. Projects typically last three to five hours and are staggered throughout the two week timeframe.

To view and sign up for available volunteer projects, follow the Volunteer Project Sign-up Guide. And, read the Days of Caring Info Sheet for a program overview. Contact Erin LeMoine for more information at  (414) 263-8160. A special thanks to Rockwell Automation for its sponsorship of the Days of Caring program.

2010 Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) Training Sessions

As we prepare for another exciting Community Campaign, we invite you to join us for one of the 2010 Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) Training Sessions at United Way of Greater Milwaukee (225 W. Vine St.). These sessions are designed to equip both veteran and beginner ECCs with important tools and fresh ideas to make workplace giving campaigns fun, relevant and successful.

Participants will receive:
•    Important information regarding key campaign dates, incentives and tools available.
•    Updates on the mission of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the impact donor dollars have on our community.
•    An opportunity to network with other ECCs to share campaign tips and strategies.

Please click here to register for one of the following sessions.
•    Thursday, August 26: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
•    Thursday, September 9: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
•    Tuesday, September 21: 3 - 5 p.m.

Please contact Emily Marquardt with any questions at (414) 263-8192.

ECC Training Invite Survey

GIVE & WIN™ Sweepstakes

Win one of eight prizes: 2011 Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle, (2) $500 Boston Store gift cards, (5) $100 Pick'n Save gift cards.

Any new gift of $25 or more OR a gift that increased from the previous year by $25 or more automatically enters the donor in the GIVE & WIN™ Sweepstakes drawing. To be included in this special thank you drawing, your pledge form or online donation must be received at the United Way of Greater Milwaukee office by 5 p.m. on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010. The winners will be announced at the closing celebration on December 9, 2010.

Special thanks to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and Pick'n Save for these generous donations to the 2010 Community Campaign.

Rules:  http://www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org/sweepstakes.html

2010 Employee Campaign Coordinator Incentives

One winner will be randomly drawn from each category below from those eligible campaigns. ECC names will be drawn on December 8 and prizes will be distributed shortly thereafter. Please note that United Way of Greater Milwaukee will issue a 1099 tax form for each incentive in excess of $600 and that you should consult your tax advisor if your name is selected for any incentive received.

AirTran Airways two vouchers good for two coach class roundtrip tickets anywhere in the U.S to/from any domestic AirTran Airways Destination. Travel is subject to AirTran Airways contract of carriage, rules and regulations. (Approx. Value $1,000)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies that increase their employee campaign by a minimum of $10,000.

Marcus Corporation’s Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel gift certificate for deluxe accommodations for one night, including access to Paradise Landing, and two movie passes. (Approx. value $200 excluding movie passes)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies that increase their employee campaigns by a minimum of $5,000.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months that includes a Digital Cable Package of more than 240 crystal clear channels, premium channels (HBO, Cinemax & Showtime), Digital Converter and remote control, and installation (if applicable). (Approx. Value $500)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies with an 80% participation rate and at least $80 in per capita employee gifts.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months of High Speed Internet Road Runner which includes installation (if applicable).  (Approx. value $300)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies that wrap up their campaigns by September 30 with an increase over 2009.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months of High Speed Internet Road Runner which includes installation (if applicable).  (Approx. value $300)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies with a 70% participation rate and at least $50 in per capita employee gifts.

Marcus Corporation’s Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel gift certificate for deluxe accommodations in a Superior King for two nights with two movie passes. (Approx. value $475 excluding movie passes)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies that wrap up their campaign by October 29 with an increase over 2009.

Marcus Corporation’s Pfister Hotel gift certificate for deluxe accommodations for two nights, including dinner for two at the Mason Street Grill and two movie passes.  (Approx. value $675 excluding movie passes)
o    To be used by companies that wrap-up their campaign with pledges in to United Way by November 19 with an increase over 2009.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months of High Speed Internet Road Runner which includes installation (if applicable).  (Approx. value $300)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies with a 60% participation rate and at least $40 in per capita employee gifts.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months that includes a Digital Cable Package of more than 240 crystal clear channels, premium channels (HBO, Cinemax & Showtime), Digital Converter and remote control, and installation (if applicable). (Approx. Value $500)
o    To be used as an incentive for companies with a 45% participation rate and at least $25 in per capita employee gifts.

Time Warner Cable gift certificate for six months of High Speed Internet Road Runner which includes installation (if applicable). (Approx. value $300)
o    To be used by companies that run a first-time workplace campaign.

Arrival of LEs 

On August 9, Loaned Executives arrived at United Way of Greater Milwaukee to begin a week of intensive training. Thanks to the generosity of Greater Milwaukee area organizations, we have a well-trained, talented group of individuals who are eager to leave a lasting positive imprint on our community. Please feel free to contact your Campaign Staff Associate now to begin facilitation of your workplace campaign.

Speakers Bureau Information

Please contact your Loaned Executive or United Way Campaign Associate early if you are interested in securing a speaker for your kickoff, closing or company event. An agency or community speaker shares personal stories that help employees understand how their United Way gift is put to work in our community. United Way offers a Speakers Bureau of more than 130 individuals who volunteer their time to give presentations at local companies and organizations. A typical presentation lasts five minutes and provides a great connection to how United Way donors can make a real difference. (Note: Spanish speakers are available.)

Green Bay Packers Football

Would you like to have a Green Bay Packers Football to benefit your workplace's United Way campaign? The Green Bay Packers provide donations to nearly 8,000 non-profit organizations. Approved donation requests are fulfilled with a white football that features the transferred signatures of the entire team and coaching staff. A Certificate of Donation is provided with each football. To request a football please click here

and select the choice at the bottom of the page to request donations for United Way workplace campaigns.

Live United T-shirts and Tote Bag ordering information

United Way t-shirts and tote bags featuring the LIVE UNITED logo and your company logo are available for order. They can be used as incentive items, given to employees, featured at your kickoff, sold to boost your campaign and worn on dress-down or jeans days supporting United Way. Please click here for more information.

P5 Awards

On August 19, United Way of Greater Milwaukee Emerging Leaders will honor the 2010 Philanthropic 5 Award winners. The awards, created by United Way’s Emerging Leaders Council, recognize five community leaders, age 45 or under, who have made extraordinary commitments of leadership, volunteerism, mentoring and philanthropy to the non-profit community of Greater Milwaukee. This year’s award recipients are:

•    Darren Goldstein, Partner, KPMG LLP
•    Nancy Hernandez, Owner, ABRAZO Multicultural Marketing & Communication
•    Darryl Morin, President & CEO, Advanced Wireless
•    Abby Ramirez, Executive Director, Schools That Can Milwaukee
•    Dan Tranchita, Managing Director & Senior Portfolio Manager, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

Campaign Events

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (Boston Store) held their first annual golf outing to support United Way of Greater Milwaukee on July 31 at Kettle Hills Golf Course. Over 116 enthusiastic golfers braved the early morning mosquitoes to make this inaugural event a huge success raising $24,000 dollars for United Way.  Golfers received large tote bags containing a myriad of fun items from vendors. After participants finished their rounds, they participated in a patio luncheon and a silent auction with more great gifts to bid on donated by vendors and organized by Bon-Ton volunteers. This event plus the infamous bake sales (held in the spring) have raised over $34,000 giving an early boost to the overall Bon-Ton campaign.

COA Youth & Family Centers
COA Youth & Family Centers held a United Way Night at their last Skyline Music Event of the summer on August 10. Paul Cebar and Tomorrow Sound performed at the event held at Kadish Park. Tom Schneider, CEO of COA Youth & Family Centers, spoke at the event. A special thanks to COA Youth & Family Centers for showing their support of United Way.

Target
Area Target Stores held their 2010 United Way Campaigns in the month of June. Each of the stores held kick-off events with speakers from local agencies. Employees participated in fun special events like penny wars, chili cook-off and bake sales. The Oak Creek Target Store worked with Country Inn & Suites to hold a rummage sale. Thank you to Target for their support of United Way.

UPS
UPS held their annual charity golf outing with all proceeds benefiting United Way of Greater Milwaukee and United Way in Waukesha County. The golf outing was held on July 31 at Silver Spring Banquet and Golf in Menomonee Falls. More than $19,000 was raised at the golf outing this year – over $9,000 more than last year. An auction and raffle of donated items were also a part of this fundraising event and 136 UPS employees, community partners, customers and guests participated.

UPS has been a strong United Way supporter for many years. UPS, along with its employees, is the largest corporate supporters of United Way nationwide. This summer, UPS, its employees and retirees have reached the exceptional milestone of $1 billion in total contributions to United Way since the company began its annual workplace campaigns in 1982. To show appreciation, United Way leveraged traditional and social media across the country to thank UPS drivers during the week of August 2. Find out more here.

Wal-Mart
Local Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club Stores ran early United Way campaigns. Each store coordinated campaigns that started with high-energy kick-off meetings each including a speaker from the United Way Speakers Bureau. There were many fun activities throughout out the Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club campaigns. In addition to the workplace campaigns, Wal-Mart corporate headquarters will match employee gifts.