United Way Chairs Challenge Rochester to Change Our World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2015

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Kraft, Senior Communications Associate United Way of Greater Rochester (585) 242-6568, (585) 576-6511 [email protected]

UNITED WAY CHAIRS CHALLENGE ROCHESTER TO CHANGE OUR WORLD Organization kicks off annual campaign and sets goal of $24 million

Rochester, NY – Today Lauren Dixon and Mike Schwabl, CEO and President of Dixon Schwabl and United Way’s 2015 Campaign chairs, kicked off this year’s United Way campaign by announcing a fundraising goal of $24 million to help change Rochester’s world.

“There are so many people in our community that need our help,” said Schwabl. “By giving to

United Way, you know that your donation is being used for programs that are proven to work and are constantly evaluated to make sure goals are being met.”

Annual donations to United Way’s Community Fund help:

 6,200 kids in after-school, summer and mentoring programs have better grades and

attend more school

 300,000 people calling for help, including families in need of meals through a food pantry

or soup kitchen

 29,000 seniors and their caregivers who need support

 2,400 moms with newborns remain free from abuse and neglect and treat early delays.

Dixon and Schwabl emphasized the importance of giving back to make sure those in need in

Rochester will have support. “Mike and I have been involved with United Way for a long time, and we know that by donating to United Way we’re able to do as much good as possible,” said Dixon. “We believe in the power of combining resources to change our world in Rochester, and we’re thrilled to chair this year’s campaign to help bring even more resources together.”

To encourage giving to the Community Fund at all levels this year, United Way is presenting the following challenge grants:

 The Five Star Bank Challenge, doubling any new or increased gifts to the Community

Fund, up to $100,000.

 Alexis de Tocqueville Society (ADT) challenge grants totally $75,000 will match, dollar-

for-dollar, all new or increased ADT gifts. $25,000 of that was established by Andy and

Karen Gallina in honor of Larry and Jane Glazer, 2014 Alexis de Tocqueville chairs.

 Any increased donations from current Women’s Leadership Council members will be

matched, up to $50,000, thanks to the generosity of WLC Steering Committee members

Lauren Dixon, Dorothy Coleman, Sandy Parker, Donna Shultz and Sharon Stiller.

 Dixon Schwabl will be matching new or increased gifts to United Way’s Young Leaders’

Club, up to $20,000 as well as matching new campaigns or small business groups on

gatheringtogive.org with the Dixon Schwabl Small Business Challenge.

United Way of Greater Rochester’s $24 million goal encompasses goals set forth by its regional partners: United Way of Genesee County, United Way of Livingston County, United Way of

Ontario County, United Way of Wayne County and United Way of Wyoming County.

For more information on this year’s campaign and how you can Change the World, visit www.uwrochester.org. ###

United Way of Greater Rochester’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs. United Way is a four-star rated Charity Navigator charity and a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Please visit us online at www.uwrochester.org.