Contact: Michael G. Gaffney, APR
Vice President, Marketing
Office: 330-643-5532
Cell: 330-701-8080

Date: June 28, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


UNITED WAY OF SUMMIT COUNTY TO EMPLOY NEW TECHNIQUES IN PLANNED GIVING


(AKRON, OHIO) – United Way of Summit County (UWSC) has joined with 17 other United Ways from across the country to establish the United Way Dynamic Collaborative on Planned Giving.

On June 21 and 22, Bob Kulinski, UWSC President, and Charlene Corlett, Vice President, Major Gifts completed an exclusive executive workshop offered in conjunction with United Way of America and the National Charitable Initiative for these 17 specially selected United Ways. The purpose of the United Way Dynamic Collaborative is to expand the possibilities and opportunities for planned giving.

The workshop covered highly refined relationship-building techniques, as well as important and effective ways for individuals and their families to make significant planned gifts to charity. It was taught by two of the leading estate planning attorneys in the country, Robert A. Esperti and Renno L. Peterson who have authored over 25 books on the subject.

According to Corlett, “In the months ahead, we will be using the techniques and tools from this workshop in a series of presentations to our long-standing donors, volunteers, board members and other supporters. These presentations will be part of a long-term program to promote planned giving and gain closer relationships with contributors to United Way and other members of the community.”

Bob Kulinski said, “Upwards of fifty trillion dollars in personal assets will be transferred from one generation to the next in the next ten years, and it is our responsibility to the individuals and families in Summit County to make sure United Way is on the radar screen for planned giving consideration. Our vital safety net of funded services could be at stake.”

United Way of Summit County improves lives by mobilizing community assets for health and human services. For more information, call 330-762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or write to us at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 1260, Akron, Ohio 44309-1260.