Media Releases
April 18, 2007
United Way Launches New Approach Focusing On “Word Of Mouse” To Get The Message Out
As part of effort, Wegmans offers to match online gifts from new donors
Rochester, NY – An e-mail may be coming to your inbox soon, encouraging you to consider giving online to United Way. Supporters of United Way are circulating hundreds of e-mails in our community to try and reach people who do not currently give, and who may not be in a workplace where campaigns are held.
The e-mails drive readers to a new web site: www.ChangeLivesNow.com, to highlight the difference donors make when they give to United Way. ChangeLivesNow.com also encourages visitors to help spread the word by e-mail to friends, family and others. Plus, it features an online photo gallery of donors in our community - and the reasons they support United Way:
“United Way is an amazing organization, focusing on areas that are vital to the success of people like you and me.” – Michele Cairns, Highland Hospital
“By giving through the United Way, a portion of my earned dollars go toward building a better community through ensuring the health and well-being of neighbors in need.” – Jim Ferro, Rochester Binding & Finishing, Inc.
“We all care a great deal about our community and are grateful to give something back.” - Lynne T. Dutcher Wolford & LeClair LLP
To help encourage new donations, Wegmans has issued a challenge—they’ll match all online gifts from new donors, dollar-for-dollar.
“We’re so honored Wegmans is partnering with United Way to broaden our base,” said Peter Carpino, United Way President. “The number one reason, we’re told, why people do not give is because they are not asked. Now, we’re trying more modern approaches to ask as many people as we can.”
Last month, United Way kicked off its Spring campaign with a goal of $33.5 million and to reach as many new donors as possible. Right now, United Way has 125,000 local supporters – an estimated one out of every four adults who live here.
United Way funds programs that fall within three primary donor interest areas: Student Readiness & Success, Strengthening People & Families, and Supporting People in Crisis. To learn more, visit www.changelivesnow.com or www.uwrochester.org.
# # #
United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.