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Events and News: Overview
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2/11/2010 is United Way’s 2-1-1 Day
 Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center Referral Specialists are our community’s silent responders. They guide people in need to services like food pantries, homeless shelters, assistance with paying utility bills and much, much more.
In 2009, Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center received one call every 3.6 minutes! That call frequency outpaced even the Denver Fire Department which dispatched fire crews once every 5.5 minutes during the same time period.
So, on February 11, 2010 (2/11) we celebrate United Way’s 2-1-1.
“2-1-1 is the single point of contact for those in need in our community,” says 2-1-1 Operations Manager Stephanie Sanchez.
With a database of thousands of community services and agencies delivering those services, 2-1-1 Referral Specialists connect callers to the help they need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each call is recorded, basic information taken and a representative sample is later surveyed to see if the 211 referrals received resulted in callers getting the help they needed.
Across Colorado, United Way’s 2-1-1 is made up of a network of six call centers serving one Coloradan every two minutes of every day of every year.
The important difference United Way’s 2-1-1 makes in people’s lives each day is immeasurable. And, it’s drawing the attention of state lawmakers.
Right now, House Bill 1073, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), is making its way through Colorado’s legislative process. If approved, Coloradans filing their state income tax returns would have the opportunity to donate to 2-1-1 through a tax form check-off box as early as 2011.
United Way’s 2-1-1. Helping individuals and families in need in metro Denver and across Colorado every day.
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United Way’s 2-1-1 Could Get Donations From Taxpayers
Colorado lawmakers have given their unanimous support to a proposal that would include a check-off box on the state’s 2011 income tax form for taxpayers to donate to United Way’s 2-1-1.
House Bill 1073, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), cleared the House Finance Committee with flying colors. If the bill makes it through the rest of the legislative process, Coloradans filing their state income tax returns would have the opportunity to donate to 2-1-1 as early as next year.
United Way’s 2-1-1 is made up of a network of six call centers across the state of Colorado. With one free call to 2-1-1, Coloradans can find help with referrals to the statewide network of safety net service providers including housing, food, utility assistance, rent assistance and much more.
Statistics show that United Way’s 2-1-1 serves one Coloradan every two minutes of every day of every year, providing vital support to individuals and families in need.
A final decision on House Bill 1073 is expected within the next two months.
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Mile High United Way Salutes Mentors
More than 3,000 Denver area boys and girls benefit from their relationships with their mentors. That’s 3,000 kids who, through Mile High United Way and the Youth Mentoring Collaborative, have a caring, responsible adult role model in their lives.
And, this month, January 2010, is National Mentoring Month. An annual celebration, National Mentoring Month highlights the crucial role mentors play in helping young people grow and thrive.
Mile High United Way is proud to lead the Youth Mentoring Collaborative that is made up of 14 community mentoring organizations throughout the Denver metropolitan area. A key part of Mile High United Way’s Youth Success Initiative the Youth Mentoring Collaborative matches thousands of area youth with mentors every year.
The mentors are men and women who volunteer their time to provide a positive influence in the lives of young people who are often at risk of dropping out of school or not reaching their full potential.
Mentors make a lasting difference in young people’s lives by providing inspiration that improves their academic achievement, social skills, self-esteem and, ultimately, their future.
Join Mile High United Way in celebrating and saluting our amazing community of mentors. Learn more about the Youth Mentoring Collaborative and how you can become a mentor.
And, read the inspiring story of James and his mentor, Matt.
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 Mile High United Way donor wins thousands in free fuel certificates.
Eric Walkingstick says he never won anything in his life. So, he was skeptical (at best) when he was told he had won $2,000 in fuel certificates through the Mile High United Way Suncor Energy Giveaway.
The manager of the women’s shoes department at Nordstrom in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Eric has been a loyal donor to United Way for more than a decade.
“For me, winning is wonderful,” says Eric, “but, the nicest thing is that I am being recognized for doing something good for my community.”
Eric says he is already thinking about how much he will save on gas in the months to come. He says he plans to give some of that savings to Mile High United Way!
The Mile High United Way Suncor Energy Fuel Certificate Giveaway drawings continue through April 2010.
Build a stronger community by donating  to Mile High United Way. Click here for official contest rules.
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United Way’s 2-1-1
A Barometer Of Public Need
There is no better indicator of the needs in our community than the hundreds of thousands of calls that come into the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 Call Center every year.
“2-1-1 is the single point of contact for those in need in our community,” says 2-1-1 Operations Manager Stephanie Sanchez. “But, it is also the single point of information on what those needs are on an ongoing basis.”
With a database of more than 6,000 community services and 1,500 agencies delivering services, 2-1-1 referral specialists connect callers to the help they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each call is recorded, basic information taken and a representative sample is later surveyed to see if the 2-1-1 referrals they received resulted in them getting the help they needed.
“We know what’s happening out there in our community from the number of calls we answer and the kinds of referrals we give out,” says Sanchez. “We can tell from day to day and month to month how community needs are changing.”
Rental assistance, utility assistance, shelters and transitional housing and food consistently rank among the top four needs of callers to 2-1-1. And, over the past year, there has been a marked increase in the number of callers who say they are homeless for the first time and in need of help.
“Without 2-1-1,” says Sanchez, “those in need would have to spend precious time they do not have scouring phone books and going from one agency to the other in search of the assistance they need.”
Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center offers each caller an average of three referrals to agencies and organizations that specialize in meeting their specific needs. The call is free and so is the online search for services.
“This job is tough and amazing at the same time,” says Sanchez. “Tough because of the many heart-wrenching stories we hear each day, but amazing because we are able through 2-1-1 to give people hope and help.”
United Way’s 2-1-1. A central point where anyone can get help, give help and where we can all turn to learn about the ever changing needs in our community.
Check out 2-1-1 monthly call statistics.
Read a 2-1-1 success story.
***Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center is one of six in the state of Colorado.***
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Don’t Give Till it Hurts
How to choose a reputable charity
The holiday season is also the season of giving for Coloradans looking to support their favorite nonprofit organizations, like Mile High United Way. With more than 18,000 charities in Colorado to choose from, how do you know which is reputable and which is not?
There are many charity “watchdog” groups, both national and local, who have defined systems of measuring the effectiveness of charities. Here we will highlight the most highly-regarded services to help you make sure your money is well-spent.
On a national level, services are offered by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and Guidestar. Each of these groups has a website where you can easily search for your charity of choice, see their rating and, in most cases, review the charity’s financials and other documents. Each also provides tips to help you make an informed choice about the charity you support using data and other factors.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance — http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/
Founded in 2001, the Wise Giving Alliance was formed when the National Charities Information Bureau merged with the Council of Better Business Bureau’s Foundation. According their website, “the merger partners offer over a century of combined experience in charity evaluation.” The Wise Giving Alliance evaluates charities based on their “Standards for Charity Accountability.”
Charity Navigator — http://www.charitynavigator.org/
Also founded in 2001, Charity Navigator focuses not only on the financial strength of an organization, but also how sustainable its programs are over time. The organization uses a number-based rating system. For three years in a row, Charity Navigator was named “One of the Best Services to Make Life Easier” by Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine.
Guidestar —http://www2.guidestar.org/Home.aspx
Guidestar has been evaluating charities since 1994 (back then it was called Philanthropic Research Inc.). Guidestar does not rank charities; it combines the information that is provided to them by nonprofits with data from other sources to come up with a comprehensive overview of each charity.
Locally, there is a new resource that pools the knowledge and reach of local government and other organizations to evaluate local charities.
Checkthecharity.com — http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/charities/check_the_charity.htm
Checkthecharity.com is a newly-formed partnership that links the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, the Colorado Department of Law, the Colorado Nonprofit Association and The Denver Post’s Season to Share. The site’s purpose is to “promote Colorado charities and to inform and protect donors.”
And, (shameless plug alert), giving through Mile High United Way is another way to ensure you are giving to a reputable charity. Whether you choose to support one of Mile High United Way’s three initiatives of designate your gift to a charity of your choice, you can rest assured that your dollars will be used efficiently. Mile High United Way is consistently rated highly by charity watchdog groups and we also ensure that every organization we partner with or fund is efficient and making the most impact with your dollars.
Now, more than ever, we know that you have to be selective with the choices you make about which organization to support. Hopefully, this guide will give you some tools to make informed decisions so that together, we can continue to build a stronger community.
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PJ Day Is Right Around The Corner!
Annual Event Raises Money For Denver’s Road Home
Pajamas and homelessness? Who would have thought that the two could or would go together? But, in Denver they do and it’s changing people’s lives for the better.
It all started five years ago when Mayor John Hickenlooper hosted the first PJ Party benefiting Denver’s Road Home at the Residence Inn Denver. Since then, the party has become THE event of the season, raising nearly $1 million to date. These funds have been used to develop more than 1,500 units of housing and prevent 2,232 seniors, families, and individuals from becoming homeless while helping those experiencing homelessness find new hope and independence. In an effort to increase awareness and resources, Denver’s Road Home decided that wearing your PJ’s during the day could be a fun way to do it and so they created PJ Day.
PJ Day is coming up on January 28, 2010! Talk it up in your neighborhood and with your employers and schools and let us know how you plan to participate and have fun while making a difference in your community. For more information about how to get involved, buy tickets to the PJ Party in downtown Denver, or how to become a sponsor please visit www.pjday.org or call Lisa Betchey at Mile High United Way at (303)561-2354.
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Click here to watch Christine Benero’s holiday message to you!
Mile High United Way’s President and CEO Christine Benero says thank you and wishes everyone happy holidays!
Make your holiday gift to Mile High United Way today. Donate.
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MHUW is KOOL 105 Daniels Fund Cause of the Month
Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero joined KOOL 105 personality JoJo in stud io for a conversation about the work of Mile High United Way and our community partners.
It’s all part of the KOOL 105 Daniels Fund Cause of the Month which each month spotlights a local nonprofit doing great work in our community. Mile High United Way is honored to have been chosen the KOOL 105 Daniels Fund Cause of the Month for December!
Listen to KOOL 105 all month long for great music and, of course, important information about how to support the incredible work of Mile High United Way. Listen to the interview.
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Record Numbers Turn Out For MHUW Turkey Trot
A record 9,603 men, women and children (many in costume!) crowded Washington Park in Denver for the 36th Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot. That’s the highest number of Turkey Trot participants ever!
Presented by BBVA Compass Bank, Mile High United Way’s Turkey Trot is an annual family Thanksgiving Day tradition. This year, with the help of our thousands of trotters, Mile High United Way raised more than $300,000 to support vital programs and services within our three interrelated areas of change: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency.
“Great weather, wonderful people and a fantastic show of collective community support for Mile High United Way and our community partners working every day to make life better for us all,” said Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero. “The fun we had here today will go a long way toward improving the lives of so many families and individuals in our community and for that we say, thanks.”
Race Results:
The top three finishers for women and men in the 4-mile timed race include:
Women’s 4-Mile Run
Cassie Slade, Highlands Ranch, CO 22:38
Shannon Payne, Colorado Springs, CO 23:07
Paige Higgins, Littleton, CO 23:31
Men’s 4-Mile Run
Greg Reindl, Denver, CO 19:57
Charles Hillig, Jr., Denver, CO 20:11
Tyler Pennel, Golden, CO 20:16
Oldest Finisher-
Paul Orkild, 81-years-old, Lakewood, CO 51:32
Youngest Finisher-
Joe Martinez, 3-years-old, Lincoln, NE 32:18
States Represented- 48
Foreign Countries Represented- 5
Thanks to everyone for spending a part of their Thanksgiving holiday with us and for giving back to our community through Mile High United Way.
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CoBank Pledges $250,000 To Mile High United Way
Mile High United Way proudly announces that it ha s received a $250,000 matching grant from CoBank designed to spur increased levels of giving from companies and individuals throughout the Denver metro area.
The grant from Greenwood Village-based CoBank, the largest financial services institution headquartered in Colorado, has three components:
- $150,000 will be used to fund one-to-one matches for contributions of up to $10,000 from companies that have not supported Mile High United Way with corporate grants at any point over the past three years;
- $50,000 will fund one-to-one matches of any individual contribution of $50 or more (up to $500) received through the mail and online after December 1, 2009;
- And $50,000 will fund one-to-one matches for individual gifts of up to $5,000 in support of the Denver’s Road Home initiative. Launched in 2005, Denver’s Road Home is a 10-year plan led by the office of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to fight homelessness in the city. Mile High United Way serves as the fundraising and fiscal manager for the community-wide project.
“CoBank’s support is coming at a crucial time for our community, Mile High United Way and our partner agencies,” said Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero. “The challenging economy has forced even more people and families in our community to seek out help for basic services like food, emergency shelter, housing and help with paying utility bills. We hope that CoBank’s generous contribution will help motivate donors to give more to keep proven, vital programs and services flowing during these tough times.”
“We’re extremely pleased to be able to make this contribution,” said Robert B. Engel, CoBank’s president and chief executive officer and a member of the Mile High United Way board of trustees. “United Way provides donors across the Denver metro area with a highly efficient and effective channel to give back to their community. The need for United Way’s services is greater today than at any time in modern memory, and we hope businesses and individual donors will leverage the CoBank matching grant to increase the impact of their own charitable giving.”
With over $60 billion assets, CoBank provides loans and other financial services to agribusiness cooperatives, utilities and other rural businesses in all 50 states. Approximately 500 of the bank’s 700 employees are based in the Denver area, and Mile High United Way is one of four local charitable organizations that serve as strategic partners for CoBank through its broader corporate citizenship program.
Benero noted that the CoBank contribution will benefit all three of Mile High United Way’s interrelated initiatives: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency. “Motivating collective generosity is crucial for Mile High United Way’s continued success,” Benero said. “Our strategic alliance with
CoBank is a great example of the kind of partnership we are looking to build with successful business enterprises throughout Denver. Together, we are investing in the community to develop and support strategies and partnerships that create an environment in which every individual, no matter what their social or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed.”
About CoBank
CoBank is a $60 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture and the nation's rural economy. In addition to serving its direct borrowers, the bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations and other partners across the country.
Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore. For more information about CoBank, visit the bank's web site at www.cobank.com.
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MHUW’s Youth Mentoring Collaborative
The Youth Mentoring Collaborative (YMC) led by Mile High United Way is a key part of our Youth Success Initiative and matches thousands of metro area youth with mentors. Men and women who volunteer their time to provide a positive influence in the lives of boys and girls who may not have an adult role model and are quite often at risk of dropping out of school.
The YMC is succeeding in making a significant difference in young people’s lives by providing inspiration that improves their academic achievement, social skills, self-esteem and, ultimately, their future.
The collaborative includes 14 mentoring organizations serving youth in metro Denver. It is a forum for the exchange of ideas, best practices and resources among mentoring organizations and is making a difference in the lives of nearly 3,000 young people in metro Denver. Learn more about the Youth Mentoring Collaborative at http://www.youthmentoringcollaborative.org/or contact Katie Driggins at 303-561-2233.
Mile High United Way partners in the Youth Mentoring Collaborative:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
The Bridge Project
Byrne Urban Scholars
Challenge Foundation
Colorado “I Have A Dream” Foundation
Colorado Youth At Risk
Denver Kids, Inc.
Friends for Youth
Goodwill Industries of Denver
Kempe Foundation, Fostering Healthy Futures
Metro Denver Partners
Save Our Youth
Whiz Kids
YESS Institute
Resource Partners:
Daniels Fund
Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships
Denver Public Schools
Governor’s Commission on Community Service
Metro Volunteers
Mile High United Way
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23 Years of Turkey Trotting!
23 years ago, Grant Holland, of Denver, awoke on Thanksgiving morning to a blizzard. But, instead of rolling over and going back to sleep, he got out of bed, laced up his running shoes and headed out into the storm. 
His family told him he was crazy, but Holland was on a mission. As he drove through the storm, he remembers seeing other people dressed in shorts and running gear.
“It was quite a sight,” says Grant, “driving snow, bitter cold and bare legs!”
Only in Colorado, he thought. And, only for the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot at Washington Park.
The Thanksgiving Day 4-mile run and walk is a fundraiser for Mile High United Way and an annual tradition for thousands just like Holland. In its 36th year, the Turkey Trot attracts young and old alike to brave the unpredictable November elements for a good cause and loads of fun.
“To me it’s an unbelievable fundraiser,” says Holland. “The volunteers are fantastic, it’s a well-run event and I go away knowing that I’m helping others in my community who really need it.”
Proceeds from Mile High United Way’s Turkey Trot go to support partner agencies, programs and services delivering help to men, women and children through the organization’s three interrelated initiatives of School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency. Turkey Trot participants, like Holland, help Mile High United Way invest in the community to develop and support strategies and partnerships that create an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“I’ve always said that if people from out-of-town were to witness the Turkey Trot and the energy and excitement people have for coming out on a holiday to support the work of Mile High United Way, they’d move to Denver the very next day,” says Holland.
Rain, ice, snow or shine, Holland says he looks forward to the Turkey Trot every year. Sometimes his family runs with him and sometimes he goes it solo. But, he says, in 23 years he has never missed it. Not even when he was far from home just days before Thanksgiving.
“One year I was in Africa on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but on Thursday morning I was running the Turkey Trot. Jet lag and all,” he boasts.
Mile High United Way salutes Grant Holland and the thousands of runners and their families and friends who have helped and continue to help make the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot a success. Click here for Turkey Trot details and registration information.
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Increased support for after-school programs!
Thousands of Denver metro area students will benefit this school year from increased funding from Mile High United Way and its local partners for after-school programs.
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of community donors, Mile High United Way will invest $792 thousand through the Lights On After School Program. A 14% increase over last year.
In Denver this year, Mile High United Way, the DPS Foundation and the Denver Mayor's Office for Education and Children together invested $780 thousand in after-school programs. This year’s overall funding, together with that of our collaborative partners, brings the total investment in the Lights On After School Program in metropolitan Denver to more than $1.4 million!
Mile High United Way in partnership with the Denver Public Schools Foundation, the Denver Mayor’s Office for Education and Children and other city agencies, Denver Public Schools, Adams County District 14 in Commerce City, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, The Jefferson Foundation and Jefferson County Public Schools is supporting thousands of students each year through the Lights On After School (LOAS) program.
Lights On After School is a key program of Mile High United Way’s Youth Success Initiative which aims to help school age, low-income and under-served youth succeed academically and graduate from high school prepared to transition to college or advanced training. It provides students with after-school programs such as recreational sports, arts, homework help and literacy programs that keep them engaged in school and on track for academic success.
“Mile High United Way is so pleased to be able to offer more support this year to our Lights On After School partners,” says Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero. “It’s thanks to corporate donors like Peter Beaupré and PCL Construction and individual donors with a passion for education that we are able to provide these funding increases in this challenging economy.”
Take a look at how Lights On After School has made a difference in students’ lives:
Denver Public Schools-
After-school programs last year served more than 9,000 students.
More than 90 DPS schools received funding for after-school programs in the 2008-2009 school year.
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Employees Have Fun While Giving Back
 This time of year, hundreds of companies across metro Denver are having raucous fun all in the name of a good cause. They are workplaces that give their employees the opportunity to give back to the community through a Mile High United Way workplace campaign. Many have events and activities throughout their campaign to raise additional funds. Here are a few of the companies who are laughing their way to a healthier community.
Williams Production has multiple special events throughout their campaign, one of which is a dodgeball tournament. The dodgeball tournament was held on the 3rd floor plaza area of their building on Arapahoe and 15th Street. Teams had to pre-qualify beforehand and  then the final eight teams played in a double elimination tournament over the lunch hour on September 24th. Employees paid to cheer their teams on and were treated to sub sandwiches. Some teams tried to gain the help of the ref by stuffing his pockets with dollars, but he couldn’t be swayed!
Lockheed Martin holds an annual Cool Ride Show during the middle of their campaign week. Employees bring thier classic and/or cool rides (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and even a new fire truck) to Lockheed’s Waterton Canyon campus. Employees pay a dollar to place a vote for their favorite car.
CH2M HILL created life-size cut-outs of three clients who received help from Mile High United Way and placed them in all of their buildings. Each cut-out tells the story of how the clients were helped and how every dollar makes a difference for Mile High United Way.
Comcast holds several pancake breakfasts at many locations during the course of their campaign. Executives in each building make the pancakes along with bacon and sausage and serve the employees as they come in those mornings. That’s a nice way to be welcomed into the office!
CoBank invites a celebrity each year to speak to all of their employees about the importance of supporting the community. This year, the special guest was Denver Bronco Rod Smith. He spoke to a group of about 350 about what it takes to create a successful team and encouraged everyone to support their workplace campaign.
These companies are proof that giving back can be fun! To learn more about workplace giving, please visit our workplace giving page.
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Family Project Homeless Connect Serves Record Numbers 
Families in search of help started lining up this morning at the Pepsi Center before the doors to Family Project Homeless Connect even opened! But, once they did the one-stop shop of services kicked into high gear serving more families and individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness than ever before.
Here is a breakdown of the record-breaking number of people served:
309 single individuals
333 families
Total- 642 (people who came to the Pepsi Center)
And, that’s not all! Add to that total another 542 children whose parents or guardians came to the event on their behalf and you have a total of 1184 men, women and children touched by this first-ever Family Project Homeless Connect!
In partnership with the Pepsi Center, Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Mile High United Way, Denver’s Road Home designed Family Project Homeless Connect to meet the growing needs of families in our community who are either experiencing homelessness or are on the verge of becoming homeless.
When they arrived, each family or individual was paired with one of 500 volunteers who escorted them through the array of available services. Family Project Homeless Connect provided services like assistance to quickly move people into housing, basic medical exams, flu shots from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Visiting Nurses Association, food stamps, legal advice, haircuts and much more.
F amilies served at the event also received take-home items to meet some of their most basic needs.
This Project Homeless Connect is the 8th event of its type staged in Denver, but the first to be designed especially to meet the needs of families.
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper along with Paul Andrews from Kroenke Sports and Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero kicked off the event in the Pepsi Center Grand Atrium. They were joined by the executive committee of the Mile High United Way Board of Trustees who also volunteered at the event.
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Thanks to our Sponsors
Deb Dowling and Paul Andrews from Kroenke Sports Enterprises LLC and Kroenke Sports Charities for hosting and Jennie Wolff from the Pepsi Center for her help with the planning of the event.
Anadarko
Regis University (medical services)
Visiting Nurses Association/CDPHE (flu shots)
Holme Roberts and Owen LLP
Xerox (copier/paper/signs)
Clif Bars (snacks)
Alison Alfers and Digital Globe (donation for t-shirts and food)
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Women’s Leadership Luncheon Highlights Foster Youth
This year, the luncheon benefitted Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap Program which provides support and services for foster youth in our community. Learn more about Bridging the Gap.
CBS4’s Gloria Neal helped kick off the luncheon with a fashion show featuring Bridging the Gap program participants modeling beautiful designer jackets from Women with a Cause.
Next, Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero took to the podium to present Denver philanthropist, businesswoman and inspiration Barbara Grogan with the Frances Wisebart Jacobs Award for her outstanding impact on our community and women’s philanthropy.
Rounding out the luncheon, keynote speaker Victoria Rowell mesmerized the audience with her personal story of growing up as a foster child. Rowell is an actress (best known for playing Drucilla Winters on CBS’s The Young and the Restless), foster care activist and author of, The Women Who Raised Me.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors for helping to make the 2009 Women’s Leadership Luncheon a smashing success!
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Steve Farber Headlines September 1st Tuesday Event
 Overcoming grave obstacles is the story of Denver attorney, Steve Farber’s life. And that story, was the focus of his address to the audience at Mile High United Way’s 1st Tuesday Breakfast on September 1, 2009.
Farber grew up in Denver and went on to co-found the law firm of Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber. A successful attorney, philanthropist and father, Farber has always been a champion of giving back to his community. Yet, he says, his success and community profile never prepared him for the ultimate challenge of his life.
At age sixty, Farber’s kidneys began to fail. His doctors told him his choices were to have a transplant, go on dialysis or die. After much soul searching and deliberation, Steve accepted the gift of life from his son, Gregg. He also turned his experience into action by founding the American Transplant Foundation which seeks to eliminate the shortage of human transplant organs in the United States.
This month, Farber’s book, On the List; Fixing America’s Failing Organ Transplant System, is set for release.
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Women's Lunch and Learn
Tom Downey
Taking advantage of “Teachable Moments,” was the theme of the Mile High United Way Women’s Lunch and Learn on Thursday, August 6, 2009.
The Lunch and Learn series is hosted by the Mile High United Way Women’s Leadership Council and sponsored by Comcast, PCL Construction, Deloitte, and Aetna.
Tom Downey, president of the Children’s Museum of Denver, a Mile High United Way partner agency, was the featured speaker.
More than three-years-ago, under Downey’s leadership, the Children’s Museum adopted United Way’s Born Learning Project, an educational campaign that shows how to turn everyday activities into opportunities to encourage learning. It’s built on the idea that while children are born learning, parents, grandparents and caregivers can encourage that learning in everyday moments.
Downey talked about how his staff encourages parents to teach their kids as they experience the hands-on museum exhibits. He also encouraged the audience to incorporate the Born Learning philosophy in their own lives with their own kids.
“In the car, at the grocery store, setting the dinner table. There are a wealth of everyday activities and moments where we can teach our kids to count, to read, to understand,” said Downey. “I urge you to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Find out more about Born Learning and the Children’s Museum of Denver at www.mychildsmuseum.org
Visit www.unitedwaydenver.org to see what Mile High United Way is doing in the three interconnected areas of change: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency.
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Suncor Energy, a leader in giving to Mile High United Way, announces the Mile High United Way Suncor Fuel Certificate Giveaway!
For the third year running, Suncor will award five randomly selected Mile High United Way donors with gas certificates worth $2,000 each. Simply make a donation to Mile High United Way through April 9, 2010 and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win!
Drawings for the winners will take place in December 2009 and then, again, in April of 2010.
Build a stronger community by donating to Mile High United Way. Click here for official contest rules.
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Mile High United Way Honors Donors
Celebrates Corporate Champions
More than 200 people joined Mile High United Way at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to celebrate outstanding corporate generosity and philanthropy.
The annual ‘Celebration’ event honors outstanding workplace giving campaigns that annually raise money to support Mile High United Way and its community partners.
The ‘Spirit of Hope Award’ is the highest tribute for corporate community involvement for new workplace campaigns. Two awards were given in this category.
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Nordstrom Cherry Creek - Employee campaign raised more than $24-thousand with 67% of employees participating.
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United Launch Alliance - Employee campaign, with 588 participants, raised more than $275-thousand.
The ‘Champion of Hope Award’ honors highly successful established workplace campaigns. The winners in this category include:
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Questar Market Resources, Inc.- 76% of Questar employees gave to Mile High United Way. The company matched employee contributions 2-to-1 for a total gift of $266 thousand.
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Ernst & Young, LLP- Their employee campaign grew 55% over the previous year. Total employee giving totaled $150 thousand.
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QWEST- Employee giving came to more than $1 million. QWEST and the QWEST Foundation provided an employee match to bring the total gift to more than $1.6 million.
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XCEL Energy- XCEL increased their employee giving campaign by nearly 30%. They provided a 100% match of employee gifts for a total of $1.35 million.
Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to all of Mile High United Way’s corporate partners and workplace giving campaigns for your amazing support!
Mile High United Way has been metro Denver’s nonprofit community leader for more than 120-years, bringing together generous donors and community partners to collectively do what no one person can do alone.
Our approach is unique. Our plan is inclusive. Mile High United Way concentrates on helping people of all ages and in all stages of their lives through three interconnected areas of change: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency.
Mile High United Way and our community partners work to make sure young children in metro Denver have access to quality early care and education, students have the support and motivation they need to stay in school and struggling families have help to gain financial stability, safe, permanent housing and the chance to thrive.
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UPS Delivers Support for Mile High United Way
Top 5 Company Campaign Kicks Off New Year
The philanthropic wheels are turning at UPS in metro Denver as more than 2700 UPS employees prepare to kick off their fund raising season for Mile High United Way (MHUW).
Locally, UPS is one of the top five workplace fundraising campaigns for MHUW, raising more than $900-thousand in 2008. That’s up more than six-percent over the previous year. Nationally, UPS is the number one company financial contributor to United Way.
“The United Way remains important to UPS because it’s important to our people,” says UPS Rocky Mountain Vice President of Operations Harry Shipley. “UPS employees don’t just give from their pockets, but from their hearts.”
In addition to dollars, UPS employees also give generously of their time and talents logging more than 35-hundred volunteer hours to our community over the past year. Around the world, UPS employees volunteered an incredible 1.2 million hours.
“In Denver, and across the country, UPS has remained committed to the United Way and communities that they serve, both financially and through volunteerism,” says Christine Benero, Mile High United Way President and CEO. “The ongoing commitment of UPS employees shows an understanding that in these tough times, it is even more important to provide needed support in our community.”
For more than 120-years, Mile High United Way has successfully tapped into the power of collective generosity to provide creative, long-term solutions to meet the most pressing needs in metro Denver.
Our approach is unique. Our plan is comprehensive and balanced, concentrating on helping people of all ages and in all stages of their lives through three interconnected initiatives: School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency.
Generous support from individuals and companies like UPS gives MHUW and its community partners the resources we need to make sure that young children have access to quality early care and education, students have the support and motivation they need to stay in school and struggling families have help to gain financial stability, safe, permanent housing and the chance to thrive.
Thank You UPS!
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2009 Kids Count in Colorado report by the Colorado Children’s Campaign
“By helping families lift themselves out of poverty, keeping them from falling into it, and addressing the needs of their young children, work supports like quality childcare play a powerful role in improving our children’s well-being.” - 2009 Kids Count in Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign
As referenced in a recent Denver Business Journal Article , child poverty has increased 85% in Colorado between 2000 and 2007. This sobering statistic and many others have just been released in the 2009 Kids Count in Colorado report by the Colorado Children’s Campaign.
Mile High United Way’s three initiatives, School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency, address many of the core issues highlighted in the report. From quality childcare, to enriching after-school programs to educational and job-training assistance, Mile High United Way can improve the lives of people in all stages of their lives. Through our partner agencies and initiatives and with your help, we can change these statistics.
Please about Mile High United Way about how you can help us make a difference or donate now.
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MHUW Donor Gives & Wins Suncor Giveaway!
“It was a total surprise, “exclaims long time Mile High United Way (MHUW) donor, Bob Kielan, after winning $2000 in gas from Suncor Energy.
Kielan says he has given to Mile High United Way for 29-years through the workplace campaign at United Parcel Service (UPS). He is a member of the Leadership Society and has a special affinity for programs benefiting young children.
Suncor Energy offered the free fuel challenge to workplace campaign donors beginning in the fall of 2008. Each MHUW donor who gave through a workplace campaign through April 2009 was automatically entered for a chance to win one of five Suncor $2000 gas certificates.
Bob says he never expected to win anything for giving back to his community. But, he sure is glad he did!
"I give to Mile High United Way because the money stays right here in my community making an impact in people’s lives and addressing the issues that I care most about,” says Kielan.
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PCL Construction volunteers help make LOAS Olympiad a success!
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On Thursday, May 7, Denver Public Schools, Mile High United Way (MHUW) and PCL Construction teamed up to host the second annual After School Olympiad event, in collaboration with the Lights on After School (LOAS) initiative.
More than 400 students from six Denver middle schools (Cole Arts and Sciences Academy, Kunsmiller, Lake, Morey, Rishel and Skinner) met for the second time ever to compete in an afternoon of kickball, basketball, tennis, soccer, an academic bowl, relay games, chess, Lego building and egg drop competitions, and a graphic arts wall at Skinner Middle School.
Lights on After School is designed to reduce middle and high school drop-out rates and increase academic performance in the Denver Public Schools through quality after-school programs for Denver’s at-risk youth. PCL Construction has committed $1 million over four years to the program, and serves as LOAS’ largest corporate sponsor, contributing to the more than 9,000 Denver students who have participated in the program to date. PCL also provided volunteers for the Olympiad event.
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Winners for the After School Olympiad were: Lake, winning team champion in chess, and tying second in the egg drop; Morey, winning individual champion in chess, team champion in the academic bowl, third place in Lego building, third in basketball and team champion in tennis; Rishel, winning team champion and tying for second in the egg drop, third in the knowledge bowl, second in Lego building, team champion in basketball, team champion in girls soccer and second in boys soccer; Cole, winning third place in the egg drop, team champion in Lego building and third place in tennis; Skinner, winning second in the academic bowl, second in basketball, second in girls soccer, team champion in boys soccer, and second place in tennis; and Kunsmiller, winning third place in boys soccer.
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Morgridge Family Foundation Gift For Literacy
The Morgridge Family Foundation has committed $500,000 to Mile High United Way to improve reading skills for children in metro Denver schools. The generous gift will fund the Reading Plus® system in private, charter, public schools and in public libraries.
Just because a student can read out loud does not necessarily mean that they can read silently and comprehend what is on the page. Imagine being able to see how your child reads. Reading Plus® can show you. The innovative program assesses a student’s silent reading skills through the use of high tech optical tracking. The technology actually tracks eye movement as a student reads silently! The results of the assessments are then used to develop a program to build solid silent reading skills that form the foundation for educational success at all levels
We have always worried about the students in high school who are still reading at an elementary school level,” says Carrie Morgridge, Morgridge Family Foundation. “We believe Reading Plus provides essential support and critical intervention for struggling readers. Through this program, students and adults will be able to develop the literacy skills they need in order to be successful in their academic career and in life.”
Along with the gift to Mile High United Way and Reading Plus®, the Morgridge Family Foundation is issuing a challenge to the community to become involved with the program. Collective giving through Mile High United Way multiplies not only dollars that are put to use, but the power those dollars have to achieve positive, lasting change in our community.
Plus, by giving to Mile High United Way and our School Readiness and Youth Success Initiatives , you can actually help the state of Colorado leverage federal matching dollars earmarked for education, child care and development.
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More on Reading Plus®:
The following is a list of some of the most compelling findings from a recent study conducted within the Miami-Dade Public School system involving over 16,000 students in grades 4 through 10.
- Students who participated in Reading Plus® made significantly greater learning gains than their non-participating peers, regardless of grade level, ethnicity, or sub-population.
- Reading achievement gains made by Reading Plus® students were significantly greater than average gains made at the district or state level.
- Participating non-gifted as well as gifted Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students made significantly greater gains compared to non-participating students.
- Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who engaged in Reading Plus® instruction achieved standardized test score gains that were more than double their non-participating peers.
- The study shows that the more Reading Plus® instruction student’s received, the greater their reading achievement gains.
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Testimonials:
Assistant Principal
“After years of teaching fluency orally, we have finally found what we’ve been missing! I’m so excited to be using a program that helps students make the transition to silent reading…we see the results on their test scores!”
5th Grade Student
“I love Reading Plus because I learn more. I am in Level B and I cannot wait until I get to Level C. I did not love reading before; now, I love reading because of Reading Plus. Thank you Reading Plus.”
About the Morgridge Family Foundation:
The Morgridge Family Foundation strives to be a leader in venture philanthropy so that the neediest of the needy will have greater opportunities to receive quality education.
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Qwest CEO Ed Mueller On The Power Of Giving
I’m a firm believer in the power of giving – either money or time and in any amounts. To me, the most important element is the act itself. Because if everyone gives what they believe they can, even if it’s $5 to a food bank or an hour of reading to a child, the results will be truly overwhelming. And now – more than ever – our communities need that help.
As confirmed by a recent Mile High United Way survey, the current economic crisis is challenging its partner agencies’ ability to provide critical human services to a growing population in need. With a near-term recovery unlikely, the demands on these important community resources will only increase.
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Of course, with every challenge comes opportunity. If you’re reading this message, you are most likely among those who already give to the United Way. Our opportunity lies in engaging friends and colleagues who are able to give but do not yet do so. I hope you’ll join me in this important effort to harness the power of giving for the benefit of our entire community.
Ed Mueller
Chairman and CEO
Qwest Communications
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Goodwill Industries of Denver
Honors Mile High United Way CEO
On April 9, 2009, Goodwill Industries of Denver honored participants in their programs who have overcome tremendous barriers and are now on the road to success at their annual awards luncheon. This year, Goodwill created an award to also recognize outstanding leaders who are putting our community on the path to success.
Mile High United Way CEO Christine Benero was asked to accept the inaugural Community Leader Award for her personal passion to improve the lives of others. Through her many roles as a leader in the Denver community with organizations like Denver's Road Home, Red Cross and Mile High United Way, she has always sought to bring our community together to solve a problem rather than any one organization trying to solve it on their own. She has been a pioneer, a change agent, an incredibly dedicated leader, and an inspiration to all.
The event was attended by over 700 business people and community members. Ms. Benero took to the podium with her trademark passion and enthusiasm and impressed the crowd with a truly eloquent speech.
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| Mile High United Way Partner Agencies Report Increase in Community Need and Decrease in Donations
Mile High United Way surveyed more than 100 partner agencies in January 2009 to get a snapshot of how they are faring in an uncertain economy. All of these community partners are human service nonprofits offering vital direct services including financial assistance, food, clothing, shelter, job training and more. Historically, these agencies are a reliable measure of just how severe an economic downturn is affecting a community.
The results show that increasing numbers of people are reaching out for help as unemployment increases and the economy continues its downward spiral. Our community partners are working harder than ever to keep up with the increasing demand while facing significant financial challenges of their own.
Financial donations, for most, are down. Their budgets are contracting. Many are taking measures to cut operating costs in order to continue to provide services. Some have laid off staff or are considering it. Some are dipping into reserves to keep their heads above water.
The snapshot, while not dire, is concerning.
Here are a few of the findings:
- More than 85 percent of Mile High United Way partner agencies responding to the survey report an increase in demand for their services in the last six months of 2008 due to the poor economy.
- More than 40 percent of Mile High United Way partner agencies responding to the survey report a drop in financial contributions. They have experienced decreases in all areas of giving including individual, corporate, and foundation financial contributions in 2008 compared to 2007.
- More than 50 percent of Mile High United Way partner agencies responding to the survey are working to cut expenses to make up for the revenue shortfall including:
- Cutting spending on staff travel and supplies
- Laying off staff
- Dipping into reserves to cover budget shortfall
“These survey results show that your support of Mile High United Way is more important now than ever before,” said Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way. “And, donations to Mile High United Way have long-lasting, positive effects on the community because they are put to work by our community partners making a real difference through three life-changing initiatives; School Readiness, Youth Success and Adult Self Sufficiency.”
Click here for the full results of the 2008 Mile High United Way partner agency survey.
Donors can dial 2-1-1 or donate online to show support in our community’s critical time of need.
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 Mile High United Way CEO is One to Watch In 2009
Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero was tapped by both The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News for high-profile, holiday weekend stories.
The Rocky featured Christine as one of the 14 people to watch in 2009. The article cited her as a smart, motivated and energetic leader who is setting the agenda as to how nonprofits need to change with the times.
The Denver Post put Christine at the top of the list of 9 people to watch in 2009!
No matter how you cut it, Mile High United Way’s Christine Benero is out front and leading the charge.
Read the articles:
Rocky Mountain News
Denver Post
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| Qwest Foundation and Employees Pledge $1.4 Million to Create Long-Term Solutions in the Community |
The Qwest Foundation and Qwest employees have shown their Spirit of Service once again to the metro Denver community by pledging $1.4 million during the 2007 Mile High United Way giving campaign. Qwest’s commitment is the largest corporate gift for the 2007-2008 fundraising campaign. The Qwest Foundation’s gift of more than $500,000 will support Mile High United Way’s School Readiness and Youth Success initiatives.
“Qwest is committed to investing in education through unique and enriching programs in our community,” said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Qwest. “We are confident in Mile High United Way’s plan to maximize our gift through youth success initiatives. Qwest’s goal -- through our partnerships with community leaders -- is ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills to successfully graduate from high school,” she added.
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