United Way campaign raises $12.8 million
BOYNTON BEACH — United Way of Palm Beach County announced Tuesday that it raised $12.8 million during its 2008-09 campaign. The dollars raised represent a combination of funds received from grants, individual and corporate workplace campaigns, including leadership gifts from United Way of Palm Beach County’s Tocqueville Society members. The announcement was made during the United Way's Tally & Rally Breakfast.
“Even though it has been a challenging year with the economy and layoffs in our local workforce, donors recognized United Way of Palm Beach County was the best organization to efficiently and effectively use their dollars to fund programs in the community. I am in awe of the desire, commitment and generosity to help people displayed by our donors. I greatly appreciate their support,” said Michael Spears, 2008-2009 campaign chair. Spears is the CIO and Chief Data Officer at NCCI Holdings, Inc.
At the breakfast, United Way also recognized its key volunteers and Top 10 Corporate Campaigns — local companies and their employees who raise the most funds for United Way of Palm Beach County. Those companies are:
- Publix Super Markets & Publix Charities – raising $1.7 million in Palm Beach County alone.
- FPL Group
- Zachry Construction
- Palm Beach County schools
- Palm Beach County
- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
- NCCI Holdings, Inc.
- AT&T
- The Palm Beach Post/Pennysaver/La Palma
- Macy’s
Guests were introduced to the incoming 2009-2010 campaign chairman, Donn Colee of Donn Colee Consulting LLC.
Today’s event was also a first for United Way of Palm Beach County’s new President and CEO, Chuck Anderson, who started at the organization on June 1. He has 28 years of experience as a United Way CEO. Anderson spoke of his focus and new role.
“The agency and corporate people I have met so far in Palm Beach County have been very supportive. They are committed to helping United Way of Palm Beach County increase its fund-raising efforts. I can tell they respect our organization for the impact we have in this community. I look forward to building relationships so we can continue to improve lives in Palm Beach County,” Anderson said.
