News & Photos
UNITED WAY EXPERIENCES LARGEST CAMPAIGN GROWTH IN A DECADE
March 10, 2011NASHVILLE, TN, MARCH 10, 2011—United Way of Metropolitan Nashville wrapped up and celebrated its 2010 fundraising efforts today with a Volunteer Day of Action that will put books in the hands of more than 1,900 infants, toddlers and pre-teens.
The local United Way announced the campaign grew from $14.1 million last year to $14.5 million this year, reflecting an increase of almost 3 percent. The $400,000 increase is the largest year-to-year percentage growth in United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s campaign in almost a decade. Over and above the $14.5 million, $750,000 in “one time” contributions were made by local organizations and individuals to United Way’s Restore The Dream Fund which brought the combined total of funds raised to $15.25 million.
“Despite the tough economy and a devastating post-flood landscape, the results are nothing short of remarkable,” said Gregg Morton, President of AT&T Tennessee and Chair of the year-long effort. “We thank everyone who had a part in this tremendous achievement including the 50,000 employees of almost 400 companies who hosted workplace campaigns and more than 280 members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Alpha Chapter who made leadership level gifts of $10,000 or more.”
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Board Chair Margaret Dolan emphasized that while the fundraising results draw a lot of attention each year, the real measure of success is the impact created by the investment of those dollars. “Certainly dollars are important, but there are many other measures of impact such as the 200,000 callers who received help by calling United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline last year, or the 7,500 working individuals and families who, through a United Way program, accessed $14.5 million in tax refunds to significantly improve their financial stability,” Dolan said. “We celebrate those other numbers with equal enthusiasm today.”
The organization today known as United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has been running an annual campaign since 1922.
The fundraising results were announced at the United Way “Board Books for Babies” Day of Action volunteer event held at United Way’s office in MetroCenter. In response to the challenges many in the community still face due to the economy and the flood, the campaign celebration was, again this year, transformed from a traditional sit-down luncheon to an opportunity for approximately 120 leaders and volunteers to “roll up their sleeves” and make an additional positive impact in the community.
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville helps greater Nashville realize its goals of building a great community for everyone through improving education, financial stability and healthy living. United Way’s impact is at work every hour of every day all across the community addressing the issues important to all Nashvillians. The extended impact of what United Way does reaches far beyond what any of us could imagine today. Initiatives such as Read to Succeed, 2-1-1 Helpline, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and Restore The Dream case management are delivered daily at 22 neighborhood centers across Nashville. United Way magnifies the energy and resources of its supporters to enhance the entire community. For additional information, visit http://www.unitedwaynashville.org.
