LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By David P. Calzi, 2009 Metro United Way General Campaign Chair

I would like to take this opportunity to share some of my reflections on the 2009 Metro United Way campaign. By serving as the General Campaign Chair this year, I have had the privilege over the past few months to visit many Metro United Way agencies, meet with community and business leaders and work directly with Metro United Way staff and volunteers.

Your Metro United Way enhances the betterment of our Community by supporting organizations that are strategically focused on education, income and health. Some are strategically focused on investing for the future and many are focused on the NOW. Spending time at the Metro United Way agencies has clearly opened my eyes and heart to the critical needs that many in our community are facing NOW. There are children, adults and families who are in very difficult and frightening situations due to the economic downturn we are all experiencing. The staff and volunteers at the Metro United Way agencies are committed to delivering the best possible support and service to those who are in need.  Just knowing that children can have a safe place to go, food pantries are being made available and support is there for those in crisis situations, leaves no doubt in my mind that we must all work hard to provide the resources that will help these agencies continue their efforts to serve others.

From the time I have spent meeting with community and business leaders, I am truly encouraged and grateful that they are deeply engaged in understanding and recognizing the needs in our community. They are ready and willing to do all they can to help through their personal generosity  as well as leading the way through their employee campaigns.

In today’s world, accountability and trust are key components to the success of any endeavor. I am confident the brand of Metro United Way is strong. The accountability and trust that Metro United Way has established in our community over the years,  provides us with confidence that the dollars we provide will be put to good use in our community –  for our families, neighbors and coworkers  –  to build better lives for everyone.

Let there be no mistaken the current situation, this will not be an easy year for the campaign. I do not expect it has ever been easy. But, there is much work being done right now by a highly dedicated campaign cabinet, loaned executives, volunteers and the Metro United Way staff. We truly have the very best who understand, care and are willing to work as hard as it takes to keep our community strong. We are all touched by Metro United Way and it’s up to all of us to protect the base and increase the ability of the agencies that Metro United Way supports to do what they do best.  This means at a minimum continuing our current level of support and striving to go above and beyond if we can,  and using new ideas to spread the message that Metro United Way is  here  for everyone and needs the support of each of us.

I hope you will join me in the effort. Thanks for all you are doing to make our community the most caring community in the Nation.

Giving campaign, Community