Live United | United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/18/2009
 Contact: Bob Holliday
610-429-9400
bob.holliday@unitedwaychestercounty.org
 

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS FOR UNITED WAY OF CHESTER COUNTY ATTEND ANNUAL INFORMATION SESSION

United Way of Chester County hosted workplace campaign volunteers with a light breakfast this morning at the Charles A. Melton Center in West Chester. Attendees included volunteers and employees from Chester County businesses, agencies and other organizations who currently support United Way or are interested in getting involved. The event prepares campaign volunteers and other constituents and shares with them messaging and materials that promote the United Way mission.

Jerry Sheridan, VP, Finance & CFO at AmeriGas and the 2009 Campaign Co-Chair, gave the audience a perspective on the philanthropic climate in Chester County. “While Chester County as a whole hasn’t been hit as hard as some by the economic downturn, times are still tough for many individuals and families in many areas of the county. We will have to work extra hard to be able to reach the thousands of people that we have in the past.”

Jerry encouraged companies to increase their participation in their workplace campaigns stressing “it’s not just about giving, but about getting involved. That’s how we’re going to make a real difference in Chester County.”

Anthony Tassoni, Workplace Campaign Chair at Bentley Systems, agreed. “One of our challenges was to increase the number of employees who are aware of the good work United Way does. Having a personal connection helps, and once you realize how effective and efficient United Way is, it makes our job easier.”

Claudia Hellebush, President and CEO of United Way of Chester County, opened the session explaining “United Way relies on the time, talent, and expertise of more than 1500 volunteers in different capacities in any given year. This group represents a large and important segment of those volunteers and we are incredibly grateful.”

The 2008-2009 Campaign raised $5,740,000 in pledged contributions, thanks in part to our highly involved business partners. Currently, United Way of Chester County funds 88 programs through 54 agencies in support of our community impact strategies that focus on the building blocks of a good life for all – education, income, health and basics. Our results-oriented approach has demonstrated the impact United Way of Chester County has in the community and has attracted and retained donors looking for an effective and trustworthy organization.

For more information about supporting United Way of Chester County please call 610-429-9400 or go online to www.uwcconline.org.