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January 10, 2008

News from the United Way of Summit County  

IN THIS ISSUE


City of Akron Sponsors 'Soup-er Bowl' to Benefit United Way
 

Campaign News:

United Way CFO Nominated for Crain's CFO of the Year

Young Leaders Society Makes Plans for 2008

Funding Available for Programs in Two Priority Areas

Donating Stocks -- Bypass Capital Gains Tax

Volunteer Stories Sought for Volunteer Celebration

Volunteers Needed and Appointments Available for
Tax Program

Brown Bag Seminars

Are you a 
Diamond Donor?

Take Our Survey

Be A Volunteer

 

SAVE THE DATE
United Way
of Summit County
Annual Meeting &
90th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 

Help Shape a Child's World with
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

You can donate securely online or call 330.762.7601 for more information.
UNITED WAY BROWN BAG SEMINARS

Brown Bag Seminars are a great way to provide informational and educational seminars to your employees in the workplace.  They work well as an addition to your United Way campaign, or can be held any time of year. Click here to learn more!

Youth & College Brown Bag Seminars also now being offered!

ARE YOU A DIAMOND DONOR?
You are if you have been giving to United Way -- any United Way in any city, in any amount -- for 25 years or more.  It doesn't matter if you have given individually or as a couple.  If you are a Diamond Donor, United Way would like to know so you can be recognized as members of this outstanding group.  For information about the Diamond Donor Society, contact Charlene Corlett, Vice President Major Gifts at 330.643.5537 or ccorlett@uwsummit.org.  Click here to enroll online.
TAKE OUR SURVEY
United Way of Summit County is conducting an ongoing survey to help determine United Way marketing plans in the future. Please complete the brief survey online. Thank you.

BE A VOLUNTEER
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?  Check out the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center listing on our website. Updated Weekly!

CONTACT

what matters 
is published by the 
United Way of Summit County
90 North Prospect St.
P.O. Box 1260
Akron, OH  44309-1260
330.762.7601
 www.uwsummit.org

Board Chair:
 Thomas A. Mandel

President:
Robert A. Kulinski

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2007 Campaign Progress

Our Goal: $11,372,000
We are currently at 92%.  THANK YOU!
City of Akron Sponsors 'Soup-er Bowl' to Benefit United Way
Who makes the best soup in Akron? The City of Akron is seeking to answer that question by sponsoring the 'Soup-er Bowl Soup Throwdown' on Sunday, January 20, 2008, from 12 noon to 4:00 pm at Lock 3 Park in Downtown Akron. All proceeds from 'Soup-er Bowl' will benefit United Way of Summit County.

For the $5 admission charge you get 5 tickets. A 4 oz. sample of soup costs just one ticket or get an 8 oz. bowl for just three tickets.

The participating restaurants are: Aladdin's Eatery, Diamond Deli, Kevin O'Bryan's, Barley House, Ido Bar & Grill, Lockview, Chin's Place, Ivan's Deli & Catering and Panera Bread. In addition, United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski will be offering his special 'Bob's Dragon Breath Chili.'

Kulinski said, "We are grateful to Mayor Plusquellic and the City of Akron for including United Way as the beneficiary of this first Soup-er Bowl event. Lock 3 has become an all season gathering point for families and friends, and the Soup-er Bowl promises to be another in a long series of events that bring people to downtown Akron to celebrate our community and all the attractions it has to offer. Buy some soup and help United Way of Summit County make a real difference in people's lives year round."
Campaign News
ComDoc Finishes Best Campaign Ever!
 ComDoc, Inc. had its best campaign yet producing over $27,000 in contributions. The commitment was shown from the top with President/CEO Mr. Larry Frank stepping up to be one of our newest Tocqueville Society donors. The generosity of ComDoc and its employees is greatly appreciated by the community we serve. We look forward to continuing a successful relationship between the United Way of Summit County and ComDoc Inc. for many years.
Metalico Annaco Employees Give 100% Again!
 Metalico Annaco ran another successful campaign with increased giving over last year.  Much credit goes to the commitment of the senior management who provides the time, resources and incentives to generate 100% participation from the employees.  Their campaign kicked off in November with an employee catered luncheon, an inspiring leadership message from President William Lowery, and presentations from Stewart's Caring Place and United Way. Many of the employees give generously as they believe in unselfishly helping those less fortunate.  Thank you to everyone at Metalico Annaco for their big-hearted spirit and commitment to our community!
GE Energy Finishes Campaign With Large Increase
Congratulations to GE Energy for their employee increase of $2,100 and for a campaign total of $32,577.  Thanks to Suzanne Gaglione, campaign coordinator, for her outstanding leadership through many successful campaigns.
Country Pure Foods Finishes
First United Way Campaign
Country Pure Foods recently wrapped up their first annual United Way employee campaign. Employees  contributed over $2,000 through their combined efforts. Special thanks go out to Rod Moses and Ray Lee for their successful efforts to establish an employee campaign. Thank you to all the employees of County Pure Foods for supporting your United Way!
United Way CFO Nominated for Crain's CFO of the Year Award
Belated congratulations are in order for United Way of Summit County CFO Brett Kimmell who was nominated for Crain Magazine's inaugural CFO of the Year award.

Brett was recognized for his outstanding work regarding United Way of Summit County's complicated financial system, as well as the additional revenue Brett has created by developing I-Pledge, the agency portal online reporting software, and the savings he's helped us realize through his MIS expertise.  Congratulations Brett!

Young Leaders Society Makes Plans for 2008
 The Young Leaders Society committee met in the beginning of 2008 and at the helm is this year's chair Jeff Rovnak from Morgan Stanley and Vice-Chair Eustacia Netzel from FirstMerit.  Look for our newsletter in February and other events in the future.  The Young Leaders Society is comprised of donors that give over $1,000 and are under the age of 40.  If you would like to get involved or would like more information please contact Ing Kiland at ikiland@uwsummit.org.

Funding Available Through United Way for
Programs in Two Priority Areas
United Way of Summit County has set aside a portion of undesignated and unrestricted revenue for distribution through an open Request for Proposal process. United Way seeks proposals for grant funding that address the following priority service areas: Economic (Financial) Stability for Families and School Readiness Children.

United Way of Summit County commissioned the Center for Marketing and Opinion Research to analyze a number of recent community research sources and to identify high priority community issues that United Way could target for increased resources and community awareness efforts to improve these conditions through positive and documented outcomes.

The research sources included the Thriving Communities Needs Assessment, a partnership including United Way of Summit County, The Akron Community Foundation, and the University of Akron; the Summit County 2010 Quality of Life report; Voices and Choices recommendations; INFOLINE requests for services; The University of Akron Summit Poll, and others.

A variety of recommendations have been under review for nearly a year, and the United Way Community Impact Cabinet recommended these two priority areas to United Way of Summit County's Board of Trustees. Visit our website for full information on submitting a proposal.

Donating Stocks -- Bypass Capital Gains Tax
 If you make your annual gift to United Way of Summit County by check instead of donating appreciated securities, you could be missing out on significant tax savings.  Donors could pocket those savings...or use them to give more.

Example: You want to continue to support United Way.  Even if you could comfortably write a check, you might be better off scouring your taxable investments for securities that have gone up in value.  By donating the securities, you get the same tax deduction for gifts to charity as you would by writing a check. And you avoid having to pay capital-gains tax on their price appreciation.  

Investors may not realize they can donate appreciated securities or think the process is too complicated...which is not the case at all.  United Way of Summit County has accounts with most major brokerage firms.  Simply advise your broker of the name of the stock and the amount you wish to donate.  The share will be transferred to the United Way account.  If we do not have an account at your firm, your broker can work with us through UBS Financial Services.   United Way receives a much-needed gift, and you avoid capital gains tax on your appreciation and preserve cash for other needs.

As always, we encourage you to consult with your tax and financial professional advisors to determine your best strategies.  For additional information contact Charlene Corlett at 330.643.5537 or ccorlett@uwsummit.org.

Outstanding Volunteer Stories Sought for Volunteer Celebration
United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center is seeking stories of volunteers, individuals and/or groups to celebrate during its 7th Annual Volunteer Celebration. This year's theme is "Volunteers...Priceless."

The Celebration will be held Thursday, May 1, 2008 at St. Joseph's Family Center, 610 W. Exchange Street in Akron. This event celebrates outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals and groups in our community.

As part of the festivities, various "Volunteer Stories" of individuals or groups who have displayed extraordinary volunteer services within organizations and/or within their own neighborhood will be acknowledged. Stories must be submitted by 3 p.m., Thursday, January 10, 2008. Volunteer Story Submission Forms are available by contacting the United Way of Summit County at 330.762.7601 or you can submit your story online.
Volunteers Needed and Appointments Available for
Tax Program
Each year the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition of Akron works to files taxes, free of charge, for low and moderate income individuals and families.  Their goal is to ensure that families and individuals are aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit that they may be eligible to receive. And also that filers receive these dollars free of tax filing charges and become aware of services that can help make them financially stronger.  The EITC program can assist working families with receiving up to $4,700 in funds if eligible.

The EITC Program is in need of volunteers to be Tax Preparers, Greeters, Intake Assessors, Office Assistants, Quality Reviewers and Site Coordinators for the upcoming tax season.  Training will be provided for all volunteer positions.  If you are interested in volunteering contact Pam at the United Way Volunteer Center at 330.643.5512 or email pbeals@uwsummit.org.

Appointments are also now being taken for those individuals and families that need help filing their taxes.  Call 1-866-861-6401 to make your appointment.