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08.27.2009 American Red Cross celebrates United Way announcement
CHARLOTTE – On Thursday morning, Jane McIntyre, CEO of the United Way of the Central Carolinas, announced to a room packed with agency representatives that the Levine Foundation would match up to $1 million in funds for the Community Care Fund.
In addition, the Levine family surprised the United Way and those gathered with the news that they would be donating an additional $100,000 to the fund.
“The Levines exhibit philanthropy at its finest,” said Pamela Jefsen, CEO of the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross. “These two generous gifts demonstrate confidence in the United Way, which is needed now more than ever to encourage our community to give.”
Approximately one-third of the Greater Carolinas Chapter’s budget is funded by the United Way. This year, the chapter took a 40 percent in funds from the organization, which resulted in staffing changes and extensive budget cuts.
“We remain committed to supporting the United Way, because they enable organizations like ours to help the most vulnerable people in our community,” Jefsen said.
From the United Way of the Central Carolinas:
The Leon Levine Foundation has pledged $1 million to inspire new gifts to United Way of the Central Carolinas’ Community Care Fund during the agency’s 2009 annual campaign.
The challenge grant was announced today at the United Way offices during a surprise campaign kick-off event.
The Leon Levine Foundation Challenge will match every dollar raised above last year’s Community Care Fund total, up to $1 million.
In order to maximize the Leon Levine Foundation Challenge, United Way of Central Carolinas has set its first ever Community Care Fund goal of $22.7 million,$1 million more than the amount raised last year.
100% of the dollars raised over last year’s Community Care Fund total will go directly to the member agencies we serve.
“The needs have never been greater. We hope this challenge grant will have the effect of inspiring others, especially those who lost faith in the United Way, to support the Community Care Fund,” Levine said. “The Fund remains one of the best ways for all of us to give and be assured that their charitable dollars are having a direct and positive impact. Please join us in giving to the Community Care Fund.”
Thank you Leon & Sandra Levine for your generosity to our community. For more information on the Leon Levine Foundation Challenge Grant visit us on the web www.uwcentralcarolinas.org
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcrosshelps.org or join our blog at http://redcrosshelps.org/crossblog.