Category: News release

United Way of Greater Greensboro Welcomes Jason Bohrer as 2014 Campaign Chair

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – October 6, 2014) –The 2014 United Way of Greater Greensboro campaign is underway with a new campaign chair at the helm. Jason Bohrer, partner at management consulting firm Newbold Advisors, will lead the 2014 campaign; his goal: to raise even more funds than the 2013 campaign accomplishment of $11 Million, so that the organization can reach and serve even more residents in need.

The 2014 campaign kicked off September 25. More than 500 companies plan to hold workplace campaigns. One of the campaign goals is to create 100% awareness about Greensboro’s growing poverty rates and root causes. Armed with this information, United Way is asking more companies to get engaged and every employee to participate to help break the cycle of poverty in Greensboro.

Bohrer is a long-time donor and corporate leader. In 2013, he joined the United Way of Greater Greensboro board of directors and agreed to become the lead community volunteer for the 2014 United Way Campaign. He has the passion and analytical rigor to take the campaign to the next level.

“The work of United Way has thrived by the commitments of our loyal contributors and we are endlessly thankful,” says Bohrer. “With new leadership, with new business leaders in Greensboro coming to the table to support this great community, we can do so much more. I’m confident that this year, businesses and individuals not currently involved with United Way will answer this call.”

“Greensboro has a history of standing together to improve the quality of life for all,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Today, we ask for more people to get involved with United Way by giving a gift, volunteering or advocating on issues impacting low-income communities. Greensboro can be greater if we all LIVE UNITED.”

Small business and large corporations alike can join with more than 500 organizations in the Greater Greensboro area that are supporting the work of United Way. To learn how, call United Way of Greater Greensboro at 336-378-6600.

Individuals are invited to give to the United Way campaign online at www.UnitedWayGSO.org. Every dollar makes a difference in helping those in need in our community.

# # #

LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

CELEBRATE GREENSBORO Brings Community Together to Kick Off United Way of Greater Greensboro 2014 Campaign

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dana Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – September 17, 2014) –United Way of Greater Greensboro is kicking off its 2014 campaign and wants YOU to join in the fun! United Way will host Celebrate Greensboro, a fun, family-friendly community celebration on Thursday, September 25, from 4-7pm in Festival Park. Gather your friends, family and colleagues and join United Way to celebrate what it means to LIVE UNITED in a great community.

The Magnificents Band will be on stage playing favorite classic, soul, beach, top 40 and dance tunes.

What: CELEBRATE GREENSBORO: A United Way of Greater Greensboro Community Celebration

When: Thursday, September 25, 2014. 4:00pm-7:00pm

Where: Festival Park, downtown Greensboro, directly adjacent (north side) to the Greensboro Cultural Center at 200 N. Davie Street.

Why: To celebrate the people and places that help make life better for all

To learn about United Way of Greater Greensboro’s focus on breaking the cycle of poverty in Greensboro

To hear how businesses can help by hosting a United Way campaign

To hear how United Way changes lives every day.

To learn how every citizen can get involved at some level and help break the cycle of poverty in Greensboro with United Way.

Details: This event is free and open to the public.

Food trucks will be available. Picnics are welcome (no alcohol please. Remember to recycle.) No RSVP is required. Wear your “LIVE UNITED” t-shirt and show your support!

# # #

LIVE UNITED

United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

United Way of Greater Greensboro Honors Top Philanthropic, Service Leaders

Posted on by admin
NEWS RELEASE
​
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dana Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – September 16, 2014) – On September 3, United Way of Greater Greensboro held its 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon at Grandover Resort and Conference Center. More than 700 individuals convened to support United Way’s work, hear from keynote speaker Lauren Bush Lauren, be inspired and give back.
At the luncheon, United Way honored the tremendous compassion of four outstanding philanthropic leaders in our community for their longtime commitment to Greensboro and legacy of giving.  The two awards are annual recognitions presented at United Way’s Women in Philanthropy event, hosted by its Women’s Leadership Council.
2014 United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to Royce and Jane Reynolds
Presenting the award to Royce and Jane Reynolds was Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. Clark spoke of the couple’s exceptional leadership and philanthropy as an expression of their love of mankind that reaches every corner of our community. From humble beginnings, Royce and Jane always kept their faith, pursuit of education and hard work at the forefront, which are at the foundation of their success in Greensboro. They are longtime United Way supporters, and have supported many great organizations and endeavors in our community including The Royce and Jane Reynolds Institute for Church Leadership at Greensboro College, Greensboro Urban Ministry, West Market Street United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, The Salvation Army, Duke University, and beyond.
2014 United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Legacy Award
Presented to Phyllis Shavitz and Joy Shavitz
Presenting the award to Phyllis and Joy Shavitz was Kathy Manning, a longtime United Way supporter and friend of the honorees. Manning spoke of the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law team who have devoted their time, energy and good fortune to those in need in our community.
The two are long-time United Way of Greater Greensboro supporters—Joy has previously chaired the Tocqueville Society campaign as well. Beyond their commitment and support of United Way, they have collectively served with and supported the Greensboro Jewish Federation, Triad Stage, UNCG food pantry, Hospice and Palliative Care of High Point, The Community Foundation, Greensboro Urban Ministry, The Women’s Resource Center, The National Conference for Community and Justice, The North Carolina Museum of Art, and the new Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.
# # #
LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

4th Annual Women in Philanthropy – September 3, 2014

Posted on by admin

2014-WIP_Web_Graphic

 

At 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, hundreds of women are invited to celebrate love of humankind at the 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, hosted by United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Women’s Leadership Council at the Grandover Resort.

United Way is thrilled to announce that the event’s keynote speaker will be humanitarian, social entrepreneur and philanthropist Lauren Bush Lauren, a woman who truly embodies a passion for giving and uplifting the world around her.

Women in Philanthropy Luncheon convenes multi-generational women from across our community to learn together, connect with one another, and be inspired while supporting the work of United Way. VF Corporation will be the presenting sponsor for the 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon at the Grandover Resort. Tickets will go on sale later this summer by visiting www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

October is National Health Literacy Month

Posted on by admin

Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.”

Health literacy is essential for successful access to care and use of services, self-care of chronic conditions, and maintenance of health and wellness because people with low health literacy:

Are less able to care for their chronic conditions
Use more healthcare services
Have higher mortality rates
More likely to engage in unsafe or inappropriate use of prescription or over the counter medications
Are less likely to use preventative care
Have difficulty navigating the health care system

We challenge you to become “Health Literacy Heroes”
Being a “Health Literacy Hero” is about taking action and finding ways to improve health communication. In October, be a Health Hero:

Spread the word about this emerging public health issue that affects all age, race and income levels
Raise awareness about why health literacy matters
Empower individuals to take control of their health care
Partner with others to connect people to resources and communicate clear health messages in ways that EVERYONE can understand

Health information should be:

Accurate- should be accurate but presented in ways everyone can understand
Accessible- is this info where people can see it, easy to read, have a main message
Actionable-give some background but make sure recommendations are made so people know what to do with the information they have been given

DID YOU KNOW?
Poor health literacy is a stronger predictor of a person’s health than age, income, employment status, education level and race
90 million people (nearly half of the adult population) lack health literacy skills needed to understand and act on health information and health system demands
One out of five American adults read at a 5th grade level or below, and the average adult reads at an 8th or 9th grade level, yet most health care materials are written above the 10th grade level
Limited health literacy increases the disparity in health care access among exceptionally vulnerable populations (such as racial/ethnic minorities and elderly)
Adults living below the poverty level have lower average health literacy than those living above the poverty threshold (In adults who receive Medicaid, 30% have below basic health literacy)
Research suggests that people with low literacy make more medication errors, are less able to comply with treatments, lack the skills needed to successfully negotiate the health care system and are at higher risk for hospitalization than people with adequate literacy skills

United Way of Greater Greensboro Welcomes Five New Staff Members

Posted on by admin
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dana Z. Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org
(Greensboro, NC – July 1, 2014) – United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) welcomes new staff members within its resource development and finance departments. The new staff members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from both the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
“Our staff truly embodies the mission of our work; they are at the core of our community impact,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro,
New employees at United Way of Greater Greensboro include:
Mike Singer, vice president of resource development
Mike leads the annual campaign process.  His prior experience includes serving as President and CEO of Lupus Foundation of America- Mid South Chapter, Ronald McDonald house, as well as United Ways in Alabama, Tennessee, and Maryland.
Elizabeth Green, director of major gifts
Elizabeth leads Tocqueville Society major gifts donor engagement and appreciation.  Elizabeth joins us from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center as a development officer.  Prior to that, she was Executive Director for Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central NC Chapter where she spent 22 years of her career.
Gavin Sands, campaign director
Gavin creates the annual campaign master plan and logistics for more than 500 corporate partners.   Gavin joins us from the Macy’s Merchandising Group in New York City and Elon University as Assistant Director of Admissions and Assistant Director of Annual Giving.
Tamarind Stewart, senior campaign manager
Tamarind manages a diverse portfolio of UWGG corporate and individual donors as well as grant management. Tamarind joins United Way from Lakeview Academy and Boys & Girls Clubs where she had a variety of roles that include Executive Director.
Samantha Lyons-Kittrell, accounts receivable specialist
Samantha plays in key role in our pledge receivable process.  She comes to us from Children’s Home Society of North Carolina where she managed account receivables for the growing agency for 8 years.
# # #
LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

United Way of Greater Greensboro Welcomes New Board Members

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Z. Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – June 26, 2014) – On June 11, at its annual meeting, United Way of Greater Greensboro donors voted unanimously to welcome four new members to its board of directors. Constituents also voted to accept term renewals for ten existing board members.

“The professionals who serve on the United Way board of directors have committed a significant amount of time and energy in United Way’s work,” says Judy Schanel, chair of United Way of Greater Greensboro’s board of directors. “The wisdom our new board members will impart on our upcoming journey will be an incredible gift to our community.”

The United Way of Greater Greensboro board of directors provides direction, support, guidance, and governance to the organization by engaging business leaders as committed volunteers and leveraging expertise to advance the work of United Way.

New board members at United Way of Greater Greensboro include:

Dr. Paul Leslie, vice president for academic affairs & dean of the faculty, professor of sociology, Greensboro College

Lee Stokes, founder & senior pastor, Destiny Christian Center

Gregg Strader, executive vice president, American National Bank & Trust

Jason Strange, senior manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

The 2014-2015 United Way of Greater Greensboro Board of Directors:

Marc Adams, vice president and general manager, Ecolab/Kay Chemical

Jason Bohrer, partner, Newbold Advisors

Tina Akers Brown, executive director, Greensboro Housing Authority

Dan Burdett, head of customer marketing & services, Syngenta

Pete Callahan, regional vice-president, Piedmont Triad Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo

Sue Cole, founder and managing partner, SAGE Leadership & Strategy, LLC

Mary Wood Copeland, senior vice president of human resources, Bell Partners, Inc.

Mike Diamond, senior vice-president, BB&T

Mae Douglas, community volunteer

Dr. Beth Folger, chief academic officer, Guilford County Schools

Kim Gatling, partner, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLC

Regina Howard Glaspie, circulation director, News & Record

Robin Hager, senior executive vice president, chief administration officer, NewBridge Bank

Jeff Johnson, vice-president, centralized call management, American Express

Murray Kessler, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Lorillard Tobacco

Dr. Paul Leslie, vice president, academic affairs and dean of faculty professor of sociology, Greensboro College

Kathi Lester, vice president of member services, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Samantha Magill, flight sciences engineer, Honda Aircraft Company

Dr. Harold Martin, chancellor, North Carolina A&T State University

Dan McGinn, partner, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard

Rich Newman, president/community leader, Pennybyrn at Maryfield

Kent Price, senior vice-president of human resources, United Guaranty

Dr. Edward Robinson, principal scientist, Lorillard Tobacco

Judy Schanel, executive vice-president acute care services, Cone Health

Martin Schneider, global chief information officer, VF Corporation

Susan Shumaker, president, Cone Health Foundation

Lee Stokes, founder and senior pastor, Destiny Christian Center

Gregg Strader, executive vice president, American National Bank & Trust

Jason Strange, senior manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Aaron Strasser, vice president, Southern Plate & Glass

Jim Westmoreland, city manager, City of Greensboro

Sue White, president, Donathan Properties, Inc.

Ben Zuraw, community volunteer

# # #

LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

The Volunteer Center of Greensboro and United Way Team Up To Feed Hungry Children This Summer

Posted on by admin
NEWS RELEASE
June 23, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Carley Swaim
The Volunteer Center of Greensboro
Ph: 336-373-1633
carley@volunteergso.org
Dana Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org
MeaningFULL Meals donations and volunteers accepted now
(Greensboro, NC) – There are more than 72,000 students in grades K-12 at Guilford County Schools. More than 56% of these students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. In the summer months, when school is not in session, these children often do not have the same access to a nutritious meal and go hungry.
To compliment the work of Guilford County School feeding centers, MeaningFULL Meals is a summer nutrition project by United Way of Greater Greensboro and The Volunteer Center of Greensboro to help feed hungry children in our community in the evening. The organizations are calling on the community for help. Donations and volunteers are needed to be sure the program has the greatest impact on feeding children this summer.
“There are children right here in our community who are hungry in the evening and we believe that is unacceptable,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “I’ve had people ask me if their donation of a few cans of food really matters. My answer is yes, yes, yes.”
“Come out and volunteer at the pantry or start your own food drive,” says Carley Swaim, executive director of The Volunteer Center of Greensboro. “Giving of your time and resources to help children and families have access to nutritious meals this summer is your chance to make a difference and invest in our future.”
Donations of foods are accepted Mondays and Wednesdays June 23-August 7, 2014 from 11am-2pm at The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville Street, or Wiley Elementary School, 600 West Terrell Street.
Volunteers are also needed Tuesdays and Thursdays June 23-August 7 to help distribute food and pack bags for the next day. Those interested in volunteering can sign up at www.volunteergso.org or by calling 336-373-1633.
# # #
The Volunteer Center of Greensboro strengthens our community by creating meaningful volunteer connections. We connect people, promote volunteerism, support nonprofits and build partnerships. www.volunteergso.org
LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

News Release: United Way Announces Lauren Bush Lauren as Keynote Speaker for 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, September 3

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Z. Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – June 5, 2014) – At 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, hundreds of women are invited to celebrate love of humankind at the 4thAnnual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, hosted by United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Women’s Leadership Council at the Grandover Resort.

United Way is thrilled to announce that the event’s keynote speaker will be humanitarian, social entrepreneur and philanthropist Lauren Bush Lauren, a woman who truly embodies a passion for giving and uplifting the world around her.

“We are eager to welcome Lauren Bush Lauren to Greensboro to speak with our community’s philanthropic women,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Lauren’s humanitarian and social entrepreneurial spirit aligns well with the work of United Way. She is uniquely concerned and taking action to combat poverty and world hunger.  She will inspire multiple generations to collaborate, take action, and give back in Greater Greensboro and beyond.”

Women in Philanthropy Luncheon convenes multi-generational women from across our community to learn together, connect with one another, and be inspired while supporting the work of United Way. VF Corporation will be the presenting sponsor for the 4th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon at the Grandover Resort. Tickets will go on sale later this summer by visiting www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

Additional Sponsorship opportunities are available. For questions or to sponsor this event, please contact Julie Longmire at 336-378-5023 or Julie.longmire@unitedwaygso.org.

About Lauren Bush Lauren 

Lauren is CEO and co-founder of FEED Projects. Through the sale of eco-friendly products, in partnership with companies like Whole Foods Market, Barnes & Noble, the Gap, HSN, Lord & Taylor and many more, FEED has been able to provide over 75 million meals globally through the WFP and Feeding America, and has supported nutrition programs around the world, providing over 3.5 million children with Vitamin A supplements through UNICEF.

For her work with FEED, Lauren was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in 2009 and one of Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in 2010. She has also received the 2010 Accessories Council Humanitarian Award, the 2011 Stevie Award for Best Non-Profit Executive, the 2011 Fashion Group International Humanitarian Award and the 2013 Women in Communications Award (WiCi).

Lauren also routinely speaks at global conferences that focus on business, philanthropy and the issues of hunger and poverty. Examples include Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, Forbes Women, Women in the World, Atlantic Ideas, Aspen Ideas, Women in Entrepreneurship and Politico, Google and Tory Burch’s Women Rule.

About United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Women’s Leadership Council

Comprised of more than 400 diverse members, Women’s Leadership Councilempowers a community of women to become philanthropic leaders. Members contribute $1,000 or more annually to advance the work of United Way and are deeply committed to addressing issues that affect women and children in our community. Tocqueville Women’s Leadership is made up of more than 30 women who combine their caring power to make change happen in our community. They contribute $10,000 or more annually to support United Way. Together, Women’s Leadership Council and Tocqueville Women’s Leadership unite to empower and strengthen families to succeed.

 

# # #

 

LIVE UNITED

United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all.. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

 

Press Release: United Way of Greater Greensboro Kicks Off Annual Carolina Panthers Season Ticket Raffle

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Z. Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – May 28, 2014) – Imagine watching a fantastic football season in the luxury of club-level seats on the 50-yard-line. That could be you!

Give back and get a chance at a pair of Carolina Panthers season tickets. For the second year in a row, United Way of Greater Greensboro is raffling off of a pair of Carolina Panthers season tickets. Proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Raffle tickets are $100 each and available to purchase online at www.UnitedWayGSO.org/panthers

The lucky winner will enjoy two club-level seats on the 50-yard-line to all 2014 regular season Carolina Panthers home games, including preseason and parking. The winner will enjoy all features and benefits of club level seating including climate controlled lounges, club food and beverage options, complimentary game day programs and roster cards, discounts at the Team Store and Pro Shop and opportunities to be selected for pre-game field visits. The approximate value of the prize is $6,800.

To keep odds favorable, the organization is selling a limited number of tickets now through June 30, 2014. Read terms and conditions at www.UnitedWayGSO.org/panthers

Catch United Way of Greater Greensboro as it joins the Carolina Panthers at its upcoming Carolina Panthers Road Show at Center City Park in Greensboro Friday, June 13.

Across the country, NFL (National Football League) clubs and players are working with United Ways to advance health and education for America’s young people through national and local initiatives. Learn more at www.unitedway.org/partners/national-football-league/

# # #

LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro advances the common good by supporting programs, initiatives, member agencies, and partners meeting critical needs in our community in the areas of education, income, and health. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.