United Way of Greater Greensboro

Are you a walker? Runner? Stroller or Roller?

Join our LIVE UNITED team this year at the 2012 Human Race!

The Human Race is a 5K charity walk and run that allows participants to raise money for their favorite non-profit (agency, church, school PTA, etc.).

Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012
Location: The Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC
Site Map (click to download; this map outlines important areas like handicap parking,
walker line-up, runner check-in, etc.)

Signing up for our team is free…that’s right…FREE! Click here to register. 

Come out and join us for the Human Race in Rain or Shine! If there is rain on Saturday, we will still host the Human Race After Party inside of the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion starting at 10am. We will only cancel the run in the case of severe weather. Please see the “Race Day” page for more information.

Race Day Schedule
- 9:00 am – Gates Open
- 9:00 – 9:50 am – Submit Donations, Walkers Line Up, RunnerRegistration/Check-in
- 9:50 am – Opening Ceremony
- 10:00 am – Race Start
- 10:30 – 11:45 am – After Party with food, fun, and live music
- 11:45 am – Awards Ceremony
- 12:00 noon – End of 2012 Human Race

Route
5K Route (click to download)
Short Route (click to download)

Each participating nonprofit manages their agency’s fundraising campaign. Our community partner The Volunteer Center of Greensboro plans and manages the overall Human Race fundraising campaign and event. The Volunteer Center has planned the Triad’s Human Race for the past 18 years.

What is special about The Human Race?

- You can support any nonprofit! Where else can you walk or run with more than 100 nonprofits and their supporters?
- FREE FOOD! LIVE MUSIC! PRIZES! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
- Participation is easy!
- Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Owners must clean-up after their pets.

There will be prizes for the top 10 individual fundraisers and top three male and female runners. The first 1,200 individuals who raise $50 or more will receive one free Human Race shirt. See a full list of prizes at www. volunteergso.org.

Have more questions? Contact our Human Race Coordinator, Julia Cox, at 336-378-6600 for answers!

See you at the start line!

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Contact: Lauren D. Gordon
Director, Marketing & Communications
(336) 378-6617
Lauren.Gordon@unitedwaygso.org

United Way Young Leaders are coordinating a 2012 “Pirate” team theme for the Human Race to raise money for United Way of Greater Greensboro.  The Human Race is an annual fundraiser that provides critical funding for numerous non profit organizations. Many agency programs depend on this event for a majority of their funding.

Last year, United Way Young Leaders raised over $3,000, which surpassed their goal of $2,000.  This year they have set a goal to raise over $4,000 that will go to United Way programs and services.  To view a complete list of United Way programs and services that are creating a real impact in the Greensboro community, visit www.unitedwaygso.org/ourfocus.

The race will begin at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 31^st at 10:00 am. Registration begins at 9:00 am.  All those interested in joining the United Way team are encouraged to sign up on the United Way of Greater Greensboro website. The team will be both a walking and a running team. Other volunteer opportunities are available with race day logistics or to cheer on the team.

Sign up to volunteer at unitedwaygso.org. For questions about this event or about United Way Young Leaders, please contact Julia Cox at Julia.cox@unitedwaygso.org.

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Contact: Lauren D. Gordon
Director, Marketing & Communications
(336) 378-6617
Lauren.Gordon@unitedwaygso.org

Left to right: Lorillard’s 2011 United Way Chair Leslie Welch (left to right) and Lorillard’s Chairman, President, and CEO Murray Kessler present a $1,000,000 check to United Way’s Keith Barsuhn and Gretchen O’Shay. Other Lorillard United Way committee members present are Tom Dyer, Ivey Wolfe, Tracie Chrismon, Tina Swain, Vicki Bray, Rachel Rigney, Wayman Jacobs, Rick Hodson, Wayne Welch, Monte Lawrence, Jack Reilly, Kim Bode, Liz Crouse, Jennifer Salmon, and Tana Austin.

(GREENSBORO, NC)  United Way of Greater Greensboro starts this year with an exciting donation.  Lorillard, Inc. announced their total employee and corporate giving to United Way of Greater Greensboro.  Lorillard raised one million dollars in employee and corporate contributions, becoming the first United Way of Greater Greensboro campaign to achieve this milestone.

The campaign theme was “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand”.  Beginning in February, the planning committee held monthly meetings to organize company events and fundraising activities. Employees visited multiple United Way of Greater Greensboro partner agencies with “lending a hand” in mind.   During the campaign, members participated in a drum circle with children at Black Child Development Institute of Greensboro.  In late April, Lorillard celebrated with Bell House residence after the 2011 Human Race.

Many of Lorillard employees serve as active volunteers within United Way of Greater Greensboro, including Lorillard Chairman, President and CEO, Murray Kessler, who serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

“We’re extremely grateful for the generous contributions from Lorillard, which will have an enormous impact in our community,” said Keith Barsuhn, president of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “When companies and their employees are able to step forward to make such significant investments, it allows us to create lasting changes in the quality of life for all of us in our community.”

Of the $1 million plus, nearly $600,000 was raised by employee contributions alone.  A portion of the corporate gift was given for the purpose of United Way’s Mentoring Initiative, reinforcing the philanthropic interests of their employees.  Lorillard has also devoted resources of time and talent to help United Way create an awareness campaign about mentoring. While still in the planning stages, this initiative will continue to mobilize additional mentors and strengthen the network of mentoring programs in Greensboro.

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Throughout the month of February, you have the opportunity to give the “gift of life”. A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. About 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only 8 percent of those eligible actually donate. American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region must collect at least 1,600 units of blood and platelets each weekday to meet the needs of patients in approximately 103 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region.

You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason. Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend. Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Some believe it is the right thing we do.

Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life.

Please join the Young Leaders and the American Red Cross to help save lives!

When: All during February plus 3 YL specific donor days!
Feb. 28, March 1st and March 3rd****
**There will be a tailgate canteen on March 3rd from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM at Red Cross for Young Leaders

Where: The American Red Cross
1501 Yanceyville Street
Greensboro, NC 27415

Call and make your appointment today : 332-6945 -Make sure you let them know you are with Young Leaders.

Tips for a Successful Donation
• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet
• Hydrate – drink an extra 16 oz of liquid before and after your donation
• Have a healthy meal before your donation – avoid foods high in fat just prior to donation
• Remember to bring your ID!

This post was written by Amy Hagar, Campaign Associate and Young Leader at United Way of Greater Greensboro. 

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When there is an emergency, we know to call 9-1-1 for help. Who do we call when we need community health and human service resources? The answer is United Way’s 2-1-1 service.

According to NC211.org, there are 30,000 nonprofits in North Carolina. It can be dif­ficult to identify all of the resources that are available in a quick, one-step process. 2-1-1 makes this easy by connecting you to the services that you need. If you want to con­tact a food bank, would like to learn about child care, are in need of counseling, or are seeking other services, 2-1-1 is the number to call. It is free, multilingual, and is avail­able 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“2-1-1 is a resource anyone can utilize and it is confidential,” said Julia Cox, lead­ership giving manager of the United Way of Greater Greensboro. “People in our com­munity need help more than ever and ev­eryone’s circumstance is different. 2-1-1 will work with callers regardless of the health or human service needed. It is a hand up, not a handout.”

If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation, 2-1-1 can connect you to these opportunities. 2-1-1 also offers communities data about needs in the area, which is critical when developing strate­gies to meet those demands. So, pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 to learn what resources and opportunities are available.

2-1-1 offers many services where you can find:

• Free legal advice
• Basic services in our area
• A calendar of health events
• Diapers, formula or clothes for new or expecting mothers
• Information about immigration services
• Donated medical supplies
• Information about drug rehabilitation programs
• Educational resources and a job placement center
• HIV testing in the area
• Support to stop smoking
• Affordable housing

This post was written by Crystal Edwards Oldham for The Greensboro Voice. Crystal teaches Introduction to Communication Studies at UNCG and will complete her graduate program in May. She dedicates her free time to leading community projects and volunteering. She values meeting new people, hearing their stories and expanding her worldview. 

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Contact: Lauren D. Gordon
Director, Marketing & Communications
(336) 378-6617
Lauren.Gordon@unitedwaygso.org

The Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign Excellence is sponsored annually by the United Way of North Carolina.  The Spirit awards provide statewide recognition for outstanding commitment and support to communities through local United Way involvement.

The Spirit Awards were developed to recognize companies and their employees that demonstrate campaign excellence and community commitment.  The Spirit Committee judged more than 70 outstanding submissions from top companies, organizations, governmental entities, healthcare and educational institutions, as well as businesses – large and small.  Awards were presented to 32 companies and/or organizations during the United Way of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting on February 3, 2012 in Pinehurst, NC.  The following are companies located in Guilford County that were announced:

• Advanced Health Care was honored as an Outstanding Not-for-Profit Agency Campaign (1001- 2500 employees).   
• Cone Health was honored as an Outstanding Hospital/Health System Campaign (5000+ employees).
• Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP was honored as an Outstanding Business Campaign (101-200 employees).
• Pilot Elementary School was honored as an Outstanding Educational Institution Campaign (51-100 employees).
• High Point Regional Health System was honored as an Outstanding Hospital/Health System Campaign (1001-2500 employees).
• High Point University was honored as Outstanding Educational Institution Campaign (501-1000 employees).
• Lorillard Tobacco Company was honored as an Outstanding Business Campaign (1001-2500 employees).
• VF Corporation was honored as an Outstanding Manufacturing Campaign (1001-2500 employees).

Organizations and companies are judged on a variety of criteria outlined in the Spirit of North Carolina Standards of Excellence including leadership giving, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education, corporate support, incentive programs, and campaign rallies just to name a few.

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Keith Barsuhn, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro

By now you may have heard about National Thank Your Mentor Day on January 26th. You might even be thinking about a person in your life that made such a “game changing” impression on you that became a cornerstone to your success.

For me it was a former manager, who 27 years ago became my boss at United Way in Tri-State (New York).  For three years, Frank Karr directed me, at times, as a supervisor; but almost on a daily basis he coached and mentored me in my early years as a United Way professional.  His insight and guidance was the difference between me enjoying a career at United Way, 28 years and counting, or jumping around to other non-profits.  Lunch hours sometimes turned into near half day conversations on how to work with CEO level volunteers, fundraise within large politically complex companies, and learn about community needs and resources. Those conversations would prepare me to lead a United Way in New York, which I soon did after working for him.  I also am reminded about my new experience as a 26 year old executive director of a United Way, sometimes feeling unprepared to take on that high level of responsibility.  Thanks to Frank’s willingness to spend as much time as I needed to be coached through the most challenging situations, our United Way thrived.

Frank, THANK YOU for instilling in me the confidence to lead and succeed!

This post was written by Keith Barsuhn, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. January is celebrated as National Mentoring Month, 31 days where we celebrate mentors and recognize the importance of mentors for positive youth development. For us at United Way of Greater Greensboro, this year brings special meaning because of the launch of our African American Male Initiative. As one of the key elements of the initiative, United Way is committed to mobilizing mentors to improve the future for disadvantaged youth. Click here to see more ways that you can get involved in National Mentoring Month in Greensboro. 

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Together United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Women’s Leadership and Tocqueville Women’s Leadership groups represent Women in Philanthropy: women united, with one voice, to promote community resources that advance family issues.

This year, Women in Philanthropy is excited to announce Karen Walrond, writer and photographer, as the keynote speaker. Please join us for a lunch you will not want to miss!

When: May 22 from 11:30 am- 1:30pm
Where: Greensboro Marriott Downtown 

Tickets are $35 (including lunch entrée) and are available to purchase online.

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Contact: Julia Cox
Leadership Giving Manager
(336) 378-6605
Julia.Cox@unitedwaygso.org

Greensboro, NC – On February 3^rd, 2012, the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Young Leaders will host the first-ever Casino Royale fundraiser for programs & initiatives supported by the United Way of Greater Greensboro.  The event will take place at Kress Terrace (212 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC, 27401) – doors will open at 7:30 PM, with tables opening at 8:00 PM

The first event of its kind hosted by the Young Leaders, Casino Royale encourages Greensboro residents ages 21 and over to get dressed up in their finest cocktail attire and put on their game faces to raise money for their favorite programs – casino style.  Entry to the event is $20.00 and allows each guest $2,000 in playing chips, 2 drink tickets and food (catered by the Iron Hen). At the end of the night, chips will be exchanged for raffle tickets, with some big prizes up for grabs! And if the games aren’t for you, be sure to come ready to dance and mingle with Greensboro’s finest young professionals and United Way supporters!

To learn more and purchase tickets to the Casino Royal Fundraiser, visit the United Way’s website at http://www.unitedwaygso.org/blog/2011/12/casino-royale-february-3/. Hurry and buy your tickets as soon as possible – prices will go up soon!

The Young Leaders program at the United Way is designed for young professionals in the Greensboro community under 40 who are passionate about giving back to their communities.  Young Leaders advocate for issues like education, income stability, and health, and give back to the community through volunteer service and financial support.

For more information about the United Way Young Leaders, contact Julia Cox Leadership Giving Manager at Julia.cox@unitedwaygso.org.

United Way funds programs and initiatives that address critical community needs. United way is committed to Growing Successful Kids, Helping People Help Themselves, and Caring for Everyone’s Health.

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Casino night is arriving you see,
Kress Terrace is where everyone will be.
The United Way Young Leaders will all be in place,
Greeting the community with a smile on their face.

The tables grand opening will be at eight.
Giving back to the community is always a great trait.
This is “dress to impress” no jeans allowed.
So wear your best suit and hold your head proud.

Twenty dollars will get you in the door.
If you don’t feel like gambling, get your booty on the dance floor!
If you don’t know the song, please feel free to lip sync,
Each ticket includes food, casino chips and a drink.

Dancing and Gambling are so much fun
Oh, wait – the night has just begun!
Everyone is eligible for some super fancy prizes.
They will come in all different shapes and sizes.

Please come out and have a blast,
It’s not only for the young – in case you asked.
United Way of Greater Greensboro is in great need,
This annual event will help us succeed!

To find out more information about this event, please click here.
To purchase tickets, please click here.

Poem Written by Amy Hagar (pictured), Campaign Associate at United Way of Grater Greensboro and Young Leader.

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