We still need your help to get us to our $11.1 million goal. http://ow.ly/3wynt

Thanks to Elizabeth Bartz & State & Federal Communications for their inventive fundraiser for United Way. Read about it: http://ow.ly/3tMeg

Our staff is so grateful for all the volunteers, donors & agency pros who join with us to make Summit Co. a great place to LIVE UNITED

Thanks to our friends at Chase for the generous $30K grant to increase literacy in University Park area. http://ow.ly/3mAcb

Kudos to Dr. Terry Gordon on his continued battle for AEDs in our schools. Thanks to @Eric Mansfield for his story. http://ow.ly/39QWO

is involved with anti-bullying efforts with our affiliated agencies. Greenleaf & Child Guidance. Hot topic now, we've been at it for years

Was part of Corp. Volunteer Council meeting today. It's great to hear about all the amazing things these organizations do to LIVE UNITED.

Check out the great story about Docs Who Rock in today's ABJ. Wonderful pictures, too! http://ow.ly/32KF0

26 days till Docs Who Rock. Better get your tickets soon! The best seats are going quickly. Come cheer your fav Doc! http://ow.ly/2OVPu

Good luck to the runners in Sat's Roadrunner Akron Marathon. The event improves our health & economy. United Way is proud to support da Bird

Former NFL QB Ron Jaworski promotes 'Back to Football Friday.' Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? http://ow.ly/2B4Ob

Thanks to GAR Foundation for the support of our efforts to make Summit Co a better place to live, work & raise a family. http://ow.ly/2AACD

Docs Who Rock tix go on sale at EJThomas in 1 week: 8/30. $12 & $25. Jewell Cardwell listed our Docs today: http://ow.ly/2txvt

United Way is among Forbes' most valuable brands - the only non-profit listed. More people LIVE UNITED than we knew: http://ow.ly/2tkKK

We had a great Communications Committee meeting this moring. What a great, intelligent group of volunteers we have. Thanks especially to @Joseph May for his review of our social media - UWSC is doing somethings well, there's more we can do... there's always more we can do!

Line Up Set For Docs Who Rock Show

Docs Who RockTM 7, United Way of Summit County’s physician talent show, sponsored by The University of Akron, will be held at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, October 30, beginning at 7:00 pm.

Tickets for the show go on sale on August 30 at E.J. Thomas box office or at ticketmaster.com for $12 or $25 for seats in the ‘Surgical Arena’ section (so you can see them operate up close). Another option for hungry music fans is ‘Take Two With Food,’ which includes two Surgical Arena seats and a $50 gift certificate to Luigi’s Restaurant for just $80. For more information, visit www.docswhorock.com.

The event is an opportunity for local doctors to showcase their musical talents. Since 2006, the University of Akron has served as sponsor of Docs Who Rock, making it possible to use beautiful E.J. Thomas Hall.

One of the highlights of this year’s show is the much anticipated return to the Docs Who Rock stage of Dr. Terry Gordon performing with the band Aquarius Rising. Over the years, Dr. Gordon has imitated a variety of pop culture icons, including Rod Stewart, Austin Powers, Mick Jagger Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow and Tina Turner. His character (or perhaps characters) for the 2010 show is a closely guarded secret. Dr. Gordon was unable to perform in the Docs Who Rock show for the past two years, and his return is welcome news for the many fans of his delightful antics.

Ten acts will be competing in the show to be named champion of Docs Who Rock. Each band features at least one Doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who lives or practices in Summit County. The acts are: Collideascope featuring Dr. Rob Hermanowski; Zopbapago featuring Dr. Eric Jagar and Dr. Tony Sterns; Malunion featuring Dr. Michael Magoline; HCC Café Band featuring Dr. Richard Brower and Dr. Troy Sand; Code Blues featuring Dr. Paul LeCat, and Dr. Debbie Plate; Freez R Burn featuring Dr. Dennis Wright, Jersey featuring Dr. Joe Pietrolungo; The TH&C Band featuring Dr. Tim Lee; and solo performances by Dr. Todd Beyer; and Dr. Akida Green. In addition, last year’s champion The Rhythm Method, featuring Dr. Fred Slezak, Dr. Tom Javorsky and Dr. Joe Pietrolungo, will perform, but won’t be competing for the championship.

Bob Kulinski, United Way of Summit County President said, “The buzz that this event creates each fall is phenomenal, and the reason is it’s a great cause combined with a great show. Our partnership with Dr. Luis Proenza and the University of Akron enables us to showcase these talented physician/musicians – including Dr. Terry Gordon – in a world-class facility like E.J. Thomas Hall.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Thanks to Campaign Chair Bill Feth for the great op-ed in Sunday's Beacon Journal. Bill's a wonderful volunteer! http://ow.ly/2mShh

Many weathy have pledged to donate 1/2 their fortune to charity. Read Warren Buffett's letter about The Giving Pledge: http://ow.ly/2lubS

If you see a UPS driver, tell him/her thanks! Since 1982, UPS and its employees have donated $1 BILLION to United Ways across the country, improving lives. That's just one of the things Brown Can Do For You! http://ow.ly/2jMhO

My favorite work project every year is the campaign video. Filming this week, editing next week! Can't wait to share the resutls with u all

Only 3 weeks until UWSC's Knight Breakfast with @Rob Briggs. Sign up here: http://ow.ly/2e6lE

Some pictures from today's Corporate Derby are now up. Thanks to everyone for a great day!
http://ow.ly/2cK7s

The North Hill Neighborhood Leadership Grads are hosting a Health Seminar this Sat. at North HS http://ow.ly/2bgxz

North Akron Health Fair

The North Akron Neighborhood Leadership Group will sponsor the inaugural North Akron Health Fair Initiative on Saturday, July 17, 2010, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm, at North High School, 985 Gorge Blvd.

The Health Fair will include free health screenings for the public and activities for kids and is the first step in an ongoing, sustainable effort to educate, advocate and empower the community to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors and reduce preventable, premature deaths.

Members of the North Akron Neighborhood Leadership Group are Deborah Price, Tania Paden, Belinda Barton and William Warren Jr., all recent graduates of United Way of Summit County’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute, an initiative also generously supported by The Akron Community Foundation, Akron Area YMCA, East Akron Community House, The City of Akron, Summit County, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, The University of Akron and other organizations.

The Health Fair will be the first of many public forums to celebrate and promote healthy lifestyles. Seminars and on-going case management will be provided for a variety of issues including: preventative maintenance, chronic illness care, diabetes, hypertension, mental health awareness, Sickle Cell Anemia, HIV-AIDS and other STDs, prenatal care, teen parenting and substance abuse and recovery. The North Akron Neighborhood Leadership Group’s goal for 2010 is to provide 1,000 health screenings for the community.

According to United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski, “Nothing is as powerful as the strength of a community mobilized. This North Akron project represents the first fruits of our Neighborhood Leadership Institute collaborative, and we are proud of the two classes who have graduated and are looking forward to the contributions they will make to their neighborhoods and communities making Summit County a great place for all to live, work and raise our families.”

For more information on the North Akron Leadership Group and the Health Initiative, call Deborah Price at 330-714-2030, or William Warren at 330-472-4322.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way of Summit County Announces Additional Special Funding

At its most recent meeting, the United Way of Summit County’s Board of Trustees approved the following Development Fund Grants totaling $125,000 and Priority Fund Grants totaling $443,986.

Development Fund Grants are made available for new or expanded programs of United Way-affiliated and non-affiliated eligible 501-C-3 health and human service agencies. Priority Funds are available to programs that address one of United Way’s priority areas: Financial Stability for Families, School Readiness for Children, or Utility Assistance for Adults without Minor Children. Grants are awarded based on the merits of the proposal, how well it addresses a critical community needs, and the benefits to program participants.

Agencies receiving Development Fund Grants are:

ACCESS will receive $25,000 to support case management for children in crisis;

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority will receive $25,000 for its maternal depression program;

Battered Women’s Shelter has been awarded $8,000 for their court advocacy program in the Stow system;

Community Health Center has been awarded $23,500 for the Horizon House program;

GASP (Guardians Against Sex Predators) has been awarded $3,500 for its fingerprinting and identification kits;

Mature Services will receive $20,000 for its efforts to reduce barriers for grandparents raising grandchildren;

$20,000 has been awarded to Project Learn Summit County for the GED and beyond program.

Agencies receiving priority funding for programs aimed at Financial Stability for Families are:

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, which offers self-sufficiency coaching to its clients, will receive $44,986;

Community Legal Aid will receive $14,000 for its Summit County Municipal Court Project;

CYO has been awarded $10,000 for its rent mortgage assistance program;

Greenleaf Family Center will receive $10,000 for its Ways to Work program;

Info Line, Inc. will be awarded $10,000 for the Community Voice Mail Summit;

$10,000 has been awarded to International Institute of Akron to support the Financial Empowerment Program;

Mustard Seed Development Corporation will receive $50,000 for the Financial/Housing Literacy Program;

OPEN M has been awarded $20,000 for the Bridges Out Of Poverty program.

Oriana House has been awarded $35,000 for its Office of Reentry program.

Agencies receiving priority funding for programs aimed at School Readiness for Children are:

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority has been awarded $25,000 for its Early Childhood Initiatives;

The Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio will receive $25,000 for its integration program;

$40,000 will be awarded to Child Guidance and Family Solutions for the Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding Program (TAPS);

Greenleaf Family Center will be awarded $15,000 to fund Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK);

Project GRAD Akron will receive $15,000 for its Bridge to Kindergarten program;

United Disability Services has been awarded $15,000for the Toy and Resource Center.

Agencies receiving priority funding for programs aimed at Utility Assistance for Adults Without Minor

Children in the Household are:

American Red Cross – Barberton will receive $15,000 for a utility assistance program;

Battered Women’s Shelter has been awarded $7,500 for its Steps to Independence Program;

Community Support Services will receive $20,000 for the utility assistance program for its clients with severe and persistent mental illness;

$15,000 has been awarded to CYO for its utility assistance program;

OPEN M will receive $35,000 for the utility assistance program;

Violet’s Cupboard has been awarded $15,000 for utility assistance for its HIV/AIDS clientele.

According to United Way Vice President of Community Impact Lois Foster, “United Way of Summit County is constantly searching for programs to fund that exercise creative methods to address community problems. With the unprecedented economic times we’re facing, it’s more important than ever that we search for different, sustainable ways to solve problems and aid individuals and families on the road to recovery.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

The oil spill has created a major disruption in the lives of people in the Gulf Coast, even as they struggle to recover from the 2005 hurricanes. YOU can help! United Way Gulf Recovery Fund http://ow.ly/249hX

It's been a busy week at UWSC. Check out pics from Day of Action http://ow.ly/22DiH, and pics from Power of the Purse: http://ow.ly/22Dk0

UWSC's Power of the Purse luncheon today w/ Sgt. Jessica Clements. Looking forward to hearing her inspiring story along with 440+ friends.

Watch Larry King Live tonight 2 learn how you can help with the disaster in the Gulf. You've been asking 'What can I do?' http://ow.ly/21i36

Thanks to Marilyn Miller and the Beacon Journal for today's story on Day of Action. 1,200 people LIVE UNITED. Read it: http://ow.ly/20EfL

What a great meeting this morning with the UWSC Communications Committee. I'm so lucky to have these talented pros who share their expertise

Cyclists ~ mark your calendars for 6/5/11 - the inaugural RIDE UNITED tour. Test ride is this weekend. Read about it here http://ow.ly/1YHIr

Thanks to the companies that golfed in the Bridgestone/United Way Pro-Am on Sunday at Firestone CC. A great event to benefit our community.

Our great volunteers from Goodyear couldn't wait for next week's Day of Action. 200+ volunteers at Camp Y-Noah today & Friday hard at work.

I've been invited to make my Social Media presentation to the Akron Torch Club this evening. 6:30 at Tangier. Wish me luck! LIVE UNITED

You still have time to RSVP for the 'Power of the Purse' luncheon w/ speaker Jessica Clements. Check out the info here http://ow.ly/1TBsI

Congrats to Wells Fargo employees for holding the largest United Way campaign in the US. Four WF sites in Summit County! http://ow.ly/1Q4sM

Campaign Cabinet meeting this morning - Docs Who Rock planning meeting at lunch - lots of exciting things happening at your United Way!

Great Board Orientation today with our new directors. Thanks Don Corpora, Jim Merklin, Lee Gerstenberger & Marty Hall for your service.

Thanks to ABJ's Jewell Cardwell for her coverage of our Power of the Purse lunch featuring Jessica Clements - http://ow.ly/1LXrK LIVE UNITED

May is Mental Health Month. Thanks to those agencies, organizations and programs dedicated to promoting health and wellness in Summit Co.

Read about UWSC's fund distribution totals in today's Akron Beacon Journal. http://ow.ly/1JLay This is how you help us all LIVE UNITED

Tomorrow is Stamp Out Hunger day. Leave non-perishable food items in a bag at your mailbox, and the carriers will collect http://ow.ly/1IiIL

Congratulations to 2nd Class - Neighborhood Leadership Development Institute who graduate tonight! 22 new community leaders who LIVE UNITED

Congrats, winners of our Creative Arts Contest on display at Main Library. Great anti-bullying messages. LIVE UNITED http://ow.ly/i/1pkk

Does anyone have need of an Overhead Projector? I don't think we've used it in the 10+ years I've been at UWSC, but perhaps you can use it.

Remember, the most effective way to Advocate for the causes you believe in is at the ballot box. Make sure you get out and vote today.

Have you always wanted to race Derby Downs in a Soap Box car? Here's your chance! Join United Way and the All-Amrcan SBD http://ow.ly/1Gqo4

United Way of Summit County elects new Directors and Officers. Read about these exceptional leaders here: http://ow.ly/1ED57

United Way of Summit County Elects New Directors/Officers

United Way of Summit County’s Board of Directors recently elected 14 men and women to 3-year terms to the Board, and elected its officers for 2010-11 as well.

Elected to terms expiring at the United Way of Summit County’s Annual Meeting in 2013 are: Dr. Sandy Auburn; Theresa Carter, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation; Don Corpora, Akron General Health System; Bill Crooks, USWA, Local 7; Leigh Gerstenberger, FirstMerit Bank; Stuart Glauberman, Malco Products; Marty Hall, FirstEnergy; David James, Akron Public Schools; William Lowery, retired Annaco; Dr. Edward T. Marshall, DDS; James Merklin, Bober Markey Fedorovich and Co.; Bruce Rowland, The Hagen Rowland Group; James Sneed, A. Schulman, Inc.; and Judge Annalisa Williams, Akron Municipal Court.

Elected to the Board’s executive committee are: at-large Executive Committee Members: William Lowery, retired, Annaco and James E. Merklin, Bober Markey Fedorovich and Co.; Labor Representative, William Crooks, USWA, Local 7; Nominating Committee Chair, Timothy Fitzwater, retired, National City Bank; Community Impact Division Chair, Bruce Rowland, The Hagen – Rowland Group; Community Impact Priority Fund Chair, Pamela Williams; Administration Committee Chair, Dr. Sandy K. Auburn; Strategic Planning Chair, Kathleen A. Rice, Summa Western Reserve Hospital; Public Policy Committee Chair, Brad S. Schroeder, YRC, Inc; Secretary, Margaret Williams, AT&T Ohio; Treasurer, James J. Keeslar, BCG & Company; Campaign Chair, William Feth, AESCA Electronics; Vice Chair, Theresa Carter, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation; Past Board Chair, Thomas A. Mandel, Rubber City Radio Group; and Board Chair, Philip J. Cajka, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

UWSC announces funding distributions. Read about it on our blog: http://ow.ly/1DMsC

UWSC Announces Funding Distributions

United Way of Summit County’s Board of Directors has approved total fund distributions of $9,714,174, an increase of about 1% over the total distributed in 2009.

For the past nine weeks, scores of local volunteers reviewed detailed program and financial information and provided funding recommendations for 94 programs from 46 agencies.

The $9.71 million package is a combination of investment decisions made by these volunteers and gifts specifically directed by donors:

· Unrestricted gifts: $4,439,864 of the total community investment derives from unrestricted gifts made to the community through United Way. Volunteers from across the county provide direction over the distribution of these funds. These investments support programs of United Way affiliated agencies and other community organizations.

· American Red Cross – Summit County Chapter: $1,001,146 is committed to the Red Cross through a contractual relationship that guarantees a percentage of the campaign total.

· Out of system gifts: $1,880,153 was raised through the local campaign, but directed by individual donors to local and national nonprofits and other United Ways that are not associated with United Way of Summit County’s Community Impact Plan.

· Donor designations: $1,192,046 is designated by donors to specific United Way of Summit County affiliated agencies and Impact Areas.

· United Way Community Services: $893,465 is utilized to provide direct services to the public, including planning for community needs; capacity building for community organizations; programs of The Volunteer Center including Day of Acton and Brown Bag Seminars; Labor Liaison and union counselor training; Neighborhood Leadership Training Institute, and Project Blueprint, our Minority leadership development program.

· Community Support and Response Funding: $307,500 is committed for new program development and special initiative funding including direct funding for hospital assistance, Born Learning program and Youth Initiative funding.

In addition to campaign results, United Way of Summit County’s yearly income includes sponsorship contributions, investment returns and fees for services.

Of note is $21,164 that has been set aside for services to be provided in the Twinsburg Heights community. Funding may be made available to qualified non-profit organizations seeking to re-institute programs that had been managed by the Salvation Army of Summit County at the Western Reserve Outreach Center – including emergency assistance, youth development and adult socialization. For more information, contact Lois Foster, United Way of Summit County Vice President – Community Impact, at 330-643-5509.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Volunteer Celebration

United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center, in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, celebrated the spirit of volunteerism at its ninth annual Volunteer Celebration on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at St. Joseph Family Center, 610 W. Exchange Street, Akron. This year’s theme was Volunteers…United We Serve.

This event celebrated outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals and groups in our community.

As part of the Volunteer Celebration, four “Volunteer Stories” of individuals or groups who have displayed extraordinary volunteer services within their organization were presented in a profile video. Anthony Codispoti, Nick Haidet, Brandon Tarzis and Patrick VanAuker, all students from Professor Gabriel Giralt’s class at the University of Akron’s School of Communication, have developed the video stories for a class project.

The four representative stories are: Noah Allooh, Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit & Medina Counties; International Institute of Akron: Donna Early, Refugee Resettlement Program and the Teachers of the English Language; Junior Women’s Civic Club; and Char Kintz, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter.

Carolyn Lake, chair of the Volunteer Celebration Committee, said, "Over the history of this event, we’ve had the pleasure of learning about some of our community’s ‘hidden heroes.’ There are so many people who are quietly making a difference through their volunteer work. We’re pleased that the Volunteer Celebration shines the spotlight on them.”

Bob Kulinski, United Way of Summit County president, said, “One of our strategic imperatives is to champion and increase voluntarism in Summit County. This celebration recognizes these scores of volunteers who’ve been brought to our attention, and honors the all of the thousands of volunteers in our community whose efforts make life better for each of us. We appreciate, respect, and cherish the work of every volunteer in Summit County.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Dave Brennan and Terry Gordon were guests on Ray Horner's WAKR show this morning. Listen to their inspiring remarks: http://ow.ly/1Bhcv

UWSC's Annual Meeting today. Hope you're there to honor Dave Brennan & Terry Gordon and thank all our great companies for LIVING UNITED.

Wishing everyone a Happy National Volunteer Week. Thanks for all the ways you make our community a better place for all to LIVE UNITED!

What does LIVE UNITED mean to you? In the UW world, we want it to inspire a social movement. Does it, or is it just another ad campaign?

It's good to be busy, but with the NE Ohio UW meeting Thursday, the YouToo Seminar on Friday & Annual Meeting next week, I'm beyond busy.

7 UW agencies offer info & support to 5,000+ people and their familes dealing with life-changing, chronic health conditions, thanks to you.

is writing the scripts for UWSC's 4/20 Annual Meeting. Hope you can join us to celebrate our campaign and honor Dave Brennan & Terry Gordon.

United Way of Summit County Announces Campaign Results

United Way of Summit County announced the final results of the 2009 United Way/Red Cross Fundraising Campaign in Summit County.

Final total for the 2009 campaign is $10,955,000, just under 97% of the campaign goal of $11,300,000.

United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski said, “While our 2009 – 2010 United Way/Red Cross campaign raised just under $11 million, three percent less than we raised last year, our community should feel good and take great pride in stepping up to sacrificial giving to help families and individuals of all ages in Summit County. Thanks to the incredibly hard work of our volunteers and staff our results were better than national and state averages, and we didn’t leave anything on the table at the conclusion of our campaign.

“As a result of generous community support, increased operating efficiency and improved investment income,” he continued, “we will have available for allocation to programs at our affiliated agencies a little more than ninety-eight percent of current funding levels. We are grateful to our 2009 Campaign Chair Bill Lowery, all our donors, volunteers and staff who made this achievement possible.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way of Summit County improves lives by mobilizing community assets for health and human services.

UWSC Marketing/Communications VP to present at YouToo Social Media Conference

The Akron Chapter of the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA) is hosting the YouToo Social Media Conference on Friday, April 16, 2010 at Kent State University's Franklin Hall.


Michael Gaffney, United Way of Summit County's Vice President - Marketing & Communications is among the presenters at this day-long conference. He will speak on 'How to Add Friends and Influence Opinions.'


This seminar is a great opportunity for communications professionals and others interested in this new media to learn from some of the exciting new campaigns being executed by corporations, advertising and public relations firms and non-profit agencies in our region.


For more information, visit http://youtoo2010.weebly.com/, or more appropriately, on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3019458&id=231807062608#!/YouToo2010. Hope to see you there.

CSI:NY Raffle Winner

United Way of Summit County recently held the drawing for the trip to Los Angeles to visit the set of the hit CBS-TV show CSI:NY. The grand prize winner is Vicky Scott of Silver Lake, Ohio.

Vicky will receive airfare for two (up to $1,000 value) on AirTran Airlines, four nights stay at a Los Angeles-area Starwood Hotel, a tour of the set of the show and autographed memorabilia.

The raffle was sponsored by CBS-TV, AirTran Airlines, Allstate Insurance and State & Federal Communications, and the proceeds (nearly $3,000) will benefit United Way of Summit County. A video of the raffle drawing is online at: http://www.uwsummit.org/misc/LAandCSINY.htm

CSI:NY is a police procedural drama series now in its sixth season airing on Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET. Akron native Melina Kanakaredes is one of the stars of this popular show.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Federal Funds for Emergency Food, Shelter to be Distributed Through United Way

United Way of Summit County will oversee distribution of federal monies designated for our region. Summit County will be awarded $410,678 for calendar year 2010 (a decrease of 6%) under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The funds are to be used by eligible local service agencies to supplement and expand the capacity of existing emergency food and shelter programs in Summit County. Funds are not to be used for creating new programs. A National Board made up of representatives from national organizations and chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated the grant.

The Summit County Emergency Food and Shelter Local Board, consisting of representatives from voluntary, governmental, and religious sectors will determine how to allocate the Summit County award among local eligible emergency food and shelter programs.

Under terms of the grant, local organizations receiving funds must (1) be private, voluntary nonprofit or units of government; (2) have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit by an independent accountant depending on the award amount; (3) practice non-discrimination; (4) operate an ongoing program that has demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and (5) have a voluntary board, if a private, voluntary organization. The Summit County local board has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter Funds previously to 29 participating agencies, which provided more than 172,000 meals, 3,100 nights of shelter, paid 270 utility bills and provided 390 units of rent/mortgage assistance.

Eligible organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the United Way of Summit County, Community Impact Division, at 330-643-5509. The application deadline is 4:00p.m. February 11, 2010.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our office at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Walking The Walk and Living United

United Way of Summit County’s mission is ‘We improve lives by mobilizing community assets for health and human services.’ Among those assets we seek to mobilize are the thousands of volunteers in our community who are willing to give of their time to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family.

And the staff at United Way of Summit County is leading by example when it comes to volunteerism. United Way staffers give of themselves to a variety of community organizations. For example:

Bob Kulinski serves on the Boards of Project: Grad Akron, Social Services Advisory Board, Ohio United Way and Heart to Heart Communications.

Katie Rennard was recently elected President of the Akron Roundtable Board of Trustees. In addition, Katie serves as 'New Club Building Chair' for the State of Ohio Kiwanis Board and is past-President and Secretary of the Akron Kiwanis.

Lois Foster is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Board of Summit County.

Charlene Corlett is Chair, 2010 Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner and a member of the Board of Trustees for Leave a Legacy of Summit/Portage/Medina.

Michael Gaffney is chair of the Board Development Committee for the Community Support Services Board as is Secretary of the Board of Directors for Weathervane Community Playhouse.

Beth Curley is Vice Chair of the Children’s Services Board of Summit County.

Laura Brelin serves as First Vice President and Board Member for the Akron Kiwanis Club, Co-Chair of the Membership committee of Torchbearers, and member of the nominating committee for the American Red Cross’ Acts of Courage Dinner.

Pam Beals is co-chair of the Start Line Committee for the Roadrunner Akron Marathon and a member of DOVIA of Akron.

Brian Duchon is a Big Brother with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, liaison for the University of Akron Student United Way chapter, and a Board Member for the Young Professionals of Akron.

Brenda Farrell serves on the City of Akron 2010 Complete Count Census Committee, is Vice President of the Barberton Rotary Club Foundation and a member of the Barberton-South Summit Chamber of Commerce.

Julie Wingate is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children through the Summit County Juvenile Court and a member of the Youth Emancipation Task Force with Summit County Children’s Services.

Jill Patterson serves as co-chair for the program committee for the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Directors for the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson and the Stow Kiwanis.

I think that’s the epitome of ‘Walking the Walk.’

United Way and AFL-CIO Partner to Raise Haitian Relief Funds

United Way of Summit County (UWSC) and the Tri-County Regional Labor Council AFL-CIO have teamed up to encourage and accept donations to a variety of Haitian Relief causes. The incredible devastation left by the massive January 12th earthquake has killed tens of thousands and left those who survived in desperate need for food, water and medical supplies.

Those who wish to give can send checks to United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Street, Akron, OH 44304 – Attn: Haitian Relief. UWSC will forward your contribution to United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund and the Red Cross International Response Fund in equal shares.

Tri-County Regional Labor Council Executive Secretary/Treasurer John Wagner said, “We know that times are tough for many of our members and for many in this community, but Americans have always shown the best of ourselves by giving to those in greater need, even when it’s hard.”

UWSC President Bob Kulinski said, “While we’re still working hard to raise money locally to meet our $11.3 million goal and help those in need here in Summit County, we recognize our responsibility to respond to global disasters and epic tragedies such as this earthquake. We are happy to partner with the Tri-County Regional Labor Council to provide a vehicle to enable individuals and organizations to help out in this disaster. We will forward contributions to these relief funds with absolutely no administrative charge.”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.