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Home > Newsletter >Making an Impact Fall 2005 |
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Click here to subscribe to the Making an Impact eNewsletter
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Table of Contents |
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You're Invited to Become a Utah Saver |
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Join us in celebrating the launch of Utah Saves, a statewide initiative to help all Utahns reduce debt and increase financial security.
The featured speaker will be Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Other guests include “Benjamin Franklin”, “George Washington” and “Brigham Young”.
Wednesday, November 16
9:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast, 10 a.m. Program
Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Ballroom A-B
255 South West Temple, Salt Lake City
RSVP by Friday, November 11, to (801) 736-8929 or rsvp@uw.org
Hundreds of Utahns are signing up as Utah Savers, and you should too! When you join Utah Saves you are becoming part of the solution by reducing debt, increasing financial security and curbing Utah’s high bankruptcy and low savings rates. Utah Saves is an initiative of United Ways of Utah and dozens of other private, public and community-based organizations. For more information about Utah Saves, call Jerilyn Stowe at (801) 736-7710 or go to www.utahsaves.org.
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United Way Day 2005
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Thanks to the generous sponsors listed below and the hard work of moe than 2,500 volunteers, United Way Day 2005 was a great success. To see photos of your organization's United Way Day project, click here. |
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UWSL Responds to Hurricane Katrina |
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Meeting demand for relief became a top priority for United Way of Salt Lake in the days and weeks following Hurricane Katrina. The organization recognized the need for services and information about immediate and continued response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Over Labor Day weekend, nearly half of United Way of Salt Lake’s employees staffed an impromptu call center to field requests from concerned citizens throughout Utah. Working closely with the State of Utah to coordinate response in the days following the evacuation of victims to Utah, United Way of Salt Lake became the only organization authorized by the State to take cash donations specifically for relief to victims in Utah.
The organization’s website, www.uw.org, provides online giving links for both local and national disaster funds. United Way has collected more than $67,000 targeted to assist Hurricane Katrina victims who are permanently relocating to Utah. The national fund, coordinated through United Way of America, is valued at more than $8 million.
United Way of Salt Lake also responded to a request for kitchen supplies for more than 80 families and individuals. United Way mobilized five of its corporate partners that shopped for and delivered thousands of kitchen items including dishes, microwaves, silverware, baking pans and more. Questar Corporation provided supplies valued at more than $25,000. Other contributing companies include Workers Compensation Fund, IHC, Wells Fargo and American Express.
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Utahns have shown incredible generosity toward Hurricane Katrina victims by going above and beyond their usual giving to United Way of Salt Lake. Workman Nydegger delivered a $25,000 check for local relief to United Way. Community groups and school children have held bake sales and fundraising events, and have sent the proceeds to United Way of Salt Lake. |
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United Way Provides Assistance to New Pete Suazo Business Center |
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United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) joined government, business and community leaders on August 30 at the opening of the new Pete Suazo Business Center at 960 West and 1700 South., The Center’s Founder and UWSL Board member Gladys Gonzalez welcomed the community to the new facility made possible through the help of Senator Robert Bennett and a $500,000 federal grant.
 The Center is dedicated to following the ideals of its namesake, the late State Senator Pete Suazo, who was known for championing Utah's Latino/Hispanic population. Established in autumn 2002, the Pete Suazo Business Center has become a strong partner of UWSL. By helping
people start a new business and achieve their business goals, the Center addresses three of UWSL’s four core issues by removing barriers to education, increasing income and improving life skills.
Mark Haymond , a UWSL loaned executive from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, acted as the Pete Suazo Business Center’s Development Director from February until August of 2005. During this time, he raised funds to cover the Center’s operating expenses. Through his ties to UWSL, Mark has developed relationships with and secured donations from 30 major donors for the PSBC. He also acquired a donation of more than $50,000 worth of office furnishings for the new building.
In the last 18 months, the Pete Suazo Business Center has helped approximately 250 potential and current local businesses receive the assistance needed to succeed. Among these were 40 brand new companies. From January to the end of June 2005, the PSBC has had a hand in creating more than 100 new jobs in the Utah market.
With its new building, the Pete Suazo Business Center will continue to be a critical resource for the community through ongoing training courses, workshops and seminars for business owners. Assistance is offered for vital business skills such as accounting, marketing and management, to name a few. One-on-one counseling is also available to assist in specific needs, such as preparing business plans, budgeting and even loan applications. The new structure houses four incubator offices which serve as a resource for new start-up businesses, along with training and meeting rooms.
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UWSL Receives Federal Grant |
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United Way of Salt Lake has received its first-ever federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for $150,000 to promote the Earned Income Credit, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Utah Saves. The grant will be distributed over three years.
While many eligible taxpayers claim the refundable federal Earned Income Credit, Utahns are leaving $50 to $80 million in federal tax credits unclaimed each year. Eligible families can use the credit to put food on the table, move into better housing, invest in education, transportation or save for the future. By claiming the credit, Utahns can increase their effective wage by up to $2 per hour, enough to lift thousands of families above the poverty line.
Findings from United Way of Salt Lake’s 2004 Community Assessment indicate that insufficient income is the number-one core issue for Utahns in its service area. “This grant will enable us to reach out to working families who can take advantage of this tax savings and increase their standard of living,” said Deborah S. Bayle, United Way of Salt Lake President and CEO.
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United Way of Salt Lake will use the grant funds in partnership with many other organizations in Utah to educate low-income working families about the Earned Income Credit through the “Earn It, Keep It, Save It” campaign and other programs to increase financial literacy and build assets for Utahns.
The grant will allow United Way of Salt Lake to expand outreach efforts to help Utahns know more about ways to improve their quality of life. Already United Way of Salt Lake has engaged more than 100 volunteers to deliver posters and brochures to 250 different companies urging their employees to “Earn It. Keep It. Save It.”, referring to money that can go back into their pockets after filing for the Earned Income Credit. |
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Potts Leads United Way of Salt Lake Women's Philanthropic Initiative |
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Embarking on its efforts to enhance women’s awareness of their giving power, United Way of Salt Lake began with a breakfast for its Women’s Initiative Founding Council on September 15, hosted by Cingular Wireless and United Way of Salt Lake board member Becky Berkey Potts. Through Potts’ leadership as chair of the Women’s Imitative Founding Council, more than 30 women came to learn about how they can get involved.
 The breakfast’s guest speaker was Sue Parks, Founding Volunteer Chair for the Women’s Philanthropic Fund of Orange County, California and board member of United Way of America’s Women’s Leadership Council “I am very excited for this community,” said Parks, “there are obstacles to overcome, but I know that the women of Salt Lake are up to the task.”
The Women’s Initiative is up to the task. Composed primarily of local professional and businesswomen, they will promote empowerment, philanthropy, recognition, and advocacy by recruiting and building relationships among women of the community. The Initiative is as much about building an infrastructure for women to be leaders in building their communities, as it is about raising funds for critical needs. Members of the Founding Council are a diverse mix of leaders who annually invest $2,500 or more with United Way of Salt Lake. Women interested in joining this dynamic Founding Council or in becoming members of the Initiative may contact Joy Erickson at (801) 736-7707 or joy@uw.org.
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UWSL Prepares Legislative Agenda |
Two BMW X3 Lease Finalists Selected |
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The 2006 General Legislative Session is just around the corner and as always, there will be many issues before the Legislature that impact the quality of life in our communities. Governor Huntsman has shown tremendous leadership over the past several months and will make proposals to address some of our state’s most pressing needs – health care for the uninsured, tax reform, and working poverty. Legislators have been studying these same issues, and others including predatory lending, bankruptcy, affordable housing, child care, education and the need to address the threat of growing federal budget deficits.
Through its own research, United Way of Salt Lake has provided essential information to both the Governor and the Legislature. This includes information on bankruptcy in Utah, the need to promote better saving and financial education, and the importance of maintaining a strong social safety net while working to develop long term solutions to the underlying issues of insufficient income, lack of life skills and child supervision and barriers to education.
You can get involved or find out more about these issues by subscribing to the “Policy Matters” e-newsletter, by attending the 2 nd Annual Legislative Preview Breakfast on January 10, 2006 or by contacting Bill Crim, United Way of Salt Lake’s Director of Public Policy at bill@uw.org. To subscribe to “Policy Matters” and for details on special events, go to www.uw.org.
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 BMW of Murray and United Way of Salt Lake have had a tremendous response to the BMW X3 Lease Giveway. Interest has increased even further since Tesoro Refining and Marketing Co. has graciously offered one year of free gasoline (up to $175 per month) for the final drawing winner.
The first of nine finalists is Cheryl Bosh of Regence BlueCross Blueshield, who won the drawing in August. September’s finalist is Clint Hopkins from Williams Northwest Pipeline.
No pledge or donation is required to enter the BMW of Murray Lease Giveaway. Participants simply attend a United Way of Salt Lake educational meeting at their workplaces and fill out the entry form. For employees of organizations not offering workplace campaign meetings, a presentation can be scheduled by calling (801) 736-8929.
Seven more finalists remain to be chosen, with the final drawing taking place in April 2006. During the May 2006 Compassionate Leaders Luncheon, each of the nine finalists will select a key and attempt to start the BMW X3. The finalist with the correct key will win the BMW X3 one-year lease and a year’s supply of gasoline. For more information and official rules, go to www.uw.org.
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Loaned Employee Program in Full Swing |
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The United Way of Salt Lake Loaned Employee program kicked off on August 8, 2005 with 11 loaned employees joining the United Way of Salt Lake staff. The loaned employee program offers corporations an opportunity to send its employees to work for United Way of Salt Lake for approximately three months. Loaned employees assist in the planning, organizing, implementation and successful completion of United Way of Salt Lake workplace campaigns. A workplace campaign includes securing individual and corporate investments, sponsorships, in-kind contributions and volunteer opportunities.
Many thanks to the following companies for either sponsoring or loaning an employee for this important program: AAA Fair Credit Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FedEx, Intermountain Health Care, Mark Miller Dealerships, O.C. Tanner Company, PacifiCorp –Utah Power, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC, Questar Corporation, Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company, UPS, Williams – Northwest Pipeline, Workers Compensation Fund and Zions Bank.
United Way of Salt Lake appreciates the hard work provided by this year’s loaned employees: Sauni Bobrowski, Curt Burnett, Greta Clawson, Mark Haymond, Linda Jacobs, Darren Sheppard, Eric Short, Hattie Tingey, Karma Tomlinson, Troy Trujillo, and Jared VanWagoner. The great work of these loaned employees is making a big impact to support United Way of Salt Lake’s mission to improve lives in Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele counties. |
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Planned Giving—Leave a Lasting Legacy |
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The Legacy of Hope Society recognizes the generosity of individuals and families who have made or provided for a planned gift to United Way of Salt Lake. When you become a member of the Legacy of Hope Society, you create a legacy of caring for your community that continues forever.
Each planned gift has its own benefits. Your financial goals should help you decide what kind of gift is best for you. Gifts of real estate, securities, life insurance, IRAs, personal property and life income trusts are of great value and highly appreciated.
For more information, visit www.uw.org and click “Contribute Now”, and then “Planned Giving”. Or contact Karen Paul at (801) 736-7706 or karenp@uw.org.
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Incentive to Give More in 2005 |
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 On September 23, President Bush signed The Hurricane Katrina relief bill into law, allowing incentives to provide cash gifts to public charities like United Way of Salt Lake before the end of the year. Contact your tax advisor to take advantage of these temporary charitable contribution incentives, or go to www.uw.org for more information. |
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Energy Tug-of-war Benefits United Way |
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The state’s two largest energy providers, PacificCorp—Utah Power and Questar Corporation held a friendly tug-of-war on October 3, kicking off a challenge between the two utilities which are battling to increase their United Way employee campaign participation.
The competition began as “referee” Deborah S. Bayle, president and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake, gave the starting signal. For several minutes, both teams held strong, but the Questar team, led by Questar Gas president and CEO Alan Allred, steadily gained control. It all came to an end when Utah Power president and United Way of Salt Lake board of directors member Rich Walje succumbed by splashing through the wading pool separating the two teams.
 More than pride was on the line for this battle. As the tug-of-war winners, the Questar Corporation team will get a one-percent increase to their total campaign contribution. The one percent increase will be added to their total employee participation percent at the end of their campaign. The challenge is to see which company can increase their employee workplace campaign percent of participation the most. The winning company will be treated to a hot dog lunch prepared by the losing company, with the stipulation that they may only use the energy source of the winning company to cook it. Finally, the company with the least amount of increase in participation will be further humbled by their defeat when they wash a very dirty utility truck of the winner while wearing the winning company’s shirt and hat.
Utah Power’s annual employee-giving campaign runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12. Questar Corporation’s campaign will take place from Oct.10 to Oct. 28. United Way of Salt Lake thanks both companies for boosting their participation this year through the tug-of-war and the other innovative events they are hosting including the Utah Power “Power People” 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk held on Oct 1, as well as yard sales and more. The results of these campaign battles will be reported in an upcoming “Making an Impact” newsletter. To see photos of the tug-of-war and other company activities supporting United Way of Salt Lake, go to www.uw.org and click “Campaign”.
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Outcomes Celebration Reveals Influence on Community |
O.C. Tanner Company Hosts Tocqueville Event |
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United Way of Salt Lake celebrated its first-ever “ Outcomes Celebration” on September 28 and 30. Representatives from each of the current 48 Impact Partner agencies that receive program grant funding from United Way of Salt Lake, presented their successes and lessons learned from United Way’s outcome measurement process. Twenty-two community volunteers, who participated in the last review process, contributed more than eight hours listening to oral presentations.
The United Way of Salt Lake staff has worked with its Impact Partners for more than three years to ensure that the result of their work has long-term effects for the people they serve. “It’s not about tracking numbers anymore,” said Kristine Pepin, United Way of Salt Lake VP, Community Impact. “We are interested in the difference our partners are making in peoples’ lives.” Accordingly, agencies are making the effort to report not only the numbers of people served, but also the initial, intermediate and long-term benefits of the services their clients receive.
The need for detailed outcome measurement is increasingly apparent. Investors want to know that their contribution to United Way of Salt Lake has the effect of helping others. In turn, the organization wants to be sure the grants supplied to Impact Partners are being used to their fullest potential. For more information about measuring outcomes, contact Kristine Pepin at (801) 736-7720 or kristine@uw.org. |
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 O.C. Tanner Company hosted the first-ever Tocqueville Society Business to Business event for United Way of Salt Lake on August 25 at the company’s headquarters in Salt Lake City. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the Tocqueville Society, which recognizes members who invest $10,000 or more annually, providing substantial support to advance the work of United Way of Salt Lake.
President and CEO of O.C. Tanner Company, Kent Murdock, and CEO Dave Petersen, along with other senior staff members gave a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s strong track record of success. Additionally, Kent shared his personal philosophy about why O.C. Tanner Company supports United Way of Salt Lake and the importance of this to their business model. United Way of Salt Lake president and CEO Deborah S. Bayle and board of directors member Kem Gardner each gave brief remarks about United Way of Salt Lake’s current direction and the importance of getting involved.
To learn more about the Tocqueville Society, contact Joy Erickson, United Way of Salt Lake Donor Relations Director, at (801) 736-7707 or joy@uw.org. |
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Many Thanks to In-kind Donors |
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Thank you to the following companies that have generously contributed in-kind goods and services during the first quarter of the 2005-2006 fiscal year. These generous organizations allow United Way of Salt Lake to minimize its costs of doing business.
Albertsons
Alta Ski Area
American Express
AMF Bowling Centers
Arcadia Press
The Bagelry
Bagley Ice
Banbury Cross
BevCo
Boondocks Fun Center
Boy Scouts of America
California Pizza Kitchen
Costco
Crown Burger
Deer Valley Resort
Desert Edge Brewery
Desert Star Theater & Restaurant
Diamond Rental
Dillard's
Douglas Barnes Photography
Fibernet Corp.
Gart Sports
The Gateway
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
Hires Big H
HK Associates
Holland and Hart LLP
IBM Corporation
IC Group
IKON Office Solutions
Kern River Gas Transmission Company
La Caille
Little America
Little Dogs Resort and Salon
The Living Planet Aquarium
Love Communications
Meier's Catering
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Ming Corporation
O.C. Tanner Company
Papa Murphy's
Park City Mountain Resort
Pioneer Theater Company PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC
Questar Corporation
Red Butte Garden
Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah
Rico's Mexican Market
Salon NV
Salt Lake Acting Co.
Salt Lake City Marriot Downtown
Salt Lake County Landfill
Sam's Club
Smith's Food and Drug
Squatter's Pub Brewery
Starbucks Coffee Company
Sur La Table
Swire Coca-Cola
Target
Taylor Rental
Temple Square Hospitality Corporation
Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company
Tuscany
UCS Wireless
Union Pacific Railroad
Utah Barricade
Utah College of Massage Therapy
Utah Symphony and Opera
Wasatch Pizza
Waste Management of Utah
Wells Fargo & Co.
Westminster College
Williams-Northwest Pipeline
Workers Compensation Fund
Yum! National Business Program
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Upcoming Events |
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November
16 - Utah Saves Statewide Launch, Hilton Salt Lake City Center, 9:30 a.m.
18 - Loaned Employee Program ends
December
1 - Holiday Shopping Event, Cactus & Tropicals, 7:00 p.m.
January
10 - Legislative Preview Breakfast, Salt Lake City Marriott, 8:00 a.m.
February
7-20 - Corporate Hoops Challenge, Zions Basketball Center
March
16 - Report to the Community, Salt Lake Marriott
May
3 - Compassionate Leaders Luncheon, Little America
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