WATERLOO, IA –Cedar Valley United Way is entering the final weeks of the 2014 campaign. Contributions for the campaign are being accepted through Saturday, January 31.
“We’ve taken a few hits with this year’s campaign due to the economy and anticipate a $200,000 shortfall,” said Bob Justis, co-chair of the 2014 campaign. “We’ve seen several businesses step up to help fill the gap. UnityPoint Health—Waterloo and its employees increased their gifts to the campaign over $25,000. The University of Northern Iowa also showed a tremendous increase of over $16,000. The support from these organizations and their employees is phenomenal.”
“The 2014 campaign isn’t complete yet, and we are still seeking gifts to help fill the gap and make this a stronger community,” said Nancy Newhoff, editor of The Courier and co-chair of the 2014 campaign. “We have seen first-hand the amazing work done by the programs funded by United Way donors, and we want to make sure this great work continues.”
Gifts to Cedar Valley United Way fund programs throughout the community that improve people’s lives by focusing on better education, stable income and good health. Cedar Valley United Way invested $2,246,821 in the greater Cedar Valley for 2014-15. Gifts to the campaign fund programs that make quality after-school care and child care accessible to parents, provide elderly transportation, shelter victims of domestic violence, provide healthcare and nutrition access, create mentoring opportunities, provide education support and much more. Cedar Valley United Way also funds 2-1-1 Information and Referral services.
“The work being done to improve lives in this community is remarkable, said Newhoff. “Bob and I have heard stories from United Way’s funded partners of children supported while they are a part of the foster care system; Burmese immigrants who are receiving the education resources to learn English, become U.S. citizens and make a better life for their families; and victims of domestic abuse who find shelter for themselves and their children to escape life-threatening situations.”
Justis referred to a recent story told by one of the programs funded by United Way’s grants. “Gifts to United Way helped provide life-saving medications for a woman here in our community who did not have the money to pay for them. This woman had a windfall shortly after receiving help and decided to return the funds she received in order to help someone else. United Way was able to help this woman who was then able to help someone else. That’s the power of our community.”
“It requires everyone in our community to undertake work of this magnitude,” said Sheila Baird, Cedar Valley United Way president. “United Way relies on support from businesses, academia, nonprofits, elected officials, the faith community, labor and the media to make the Cedar Valley a stronger community. We hope that anyone who hasn’t had the chance to give yet, does so today.”
Final results of the 2014 campaign will be announced at the Breakfast of Champions, the celebration of the 2014 campaign, on Thursday, February 12. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. followed by a program from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Contributions can be made to Cedar Valley United Way, 425 Cedar St., Suite 300, Waterloo, Iowa 50701, or by giving online at www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org. For more information about giving to the Cedar Valley United Way, call 319-235-6211.
Tickets for the Breakfast of Champions are $10 per person or $80 for a table of 8. Reservations can be made online at www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org or by calling 319-235-6211. For more information on this event, visit www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org.
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