| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/6/2010 |
Contact: Claudia Hellebush 610-429-9400 claudia.hellebush@unitedwaychestercounty.org |
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UWCC PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS AT 2009-2010 CAMPAIGN CLOSING CELEBRATION “We couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished this year. In an economic environment that has presented a number of struggles for all of us, we are pleased to announce that we were able to raise just over $5 million. The ongoing generosity of our community has planted the seed of optimism for next year. Together we will move forward.” said Claudia Hellebush, President and CEO of United Way of Chester County. Steve Shihadeh, VP of Microsoft Health Solutions Group and UWCC Board Chair, added, “United Way is incredibly grateful that in such a difficult year, when many of us are cutting back, the vast majority of our companies and donors recognized that charity and giving back to your community is not the place to economize.” The Closing Celebration recognizes outstanding performance among United Way supporters. This year, the Spirit of Chester County Award was presented to Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) for their enthusiastic and vibrant campaign, impressive levels of participation among employees, and many ways they partner with United Way of Chester County to improve lives in our community. “It begins with the team approach. I work with United Way throughout the year and I see how hard they work – the partnership was a natural fit for us,” says CCIU Executive Director Dr. Joe O’Brien, who also serves on a UWCC Community Impact Team. Reflecting the wide range of support United Way of Chester County has throughout the region, additional awards were presented to Community Partner of the Year Exton Square Mall, Corporate Partner of the Year PAC Strapping Products, Inc., Workplace Chair of the Year Dave Vertigan of SABIC, and Agency of the Year Cerebral Palsy Association of Chester County. Margaret Rybinski, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Chester County, and this year’s Partner Agency of the Year Award, reflects, “Our partnership with United Way has been invaluable and has made us a better organization. Working together to improve people’s lives as strong collaborators is a wonderfully powerful thing.” 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. |