United Way of San Diego County Announces 90th Anniversary Celebration
Since forming in 1920, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) has been an agent of change. Yet its role as a community leader in solving health and human services issues has remained unchanged. This year, the organization will mark its 90th anniversary by celebrating the spirit of Living United – engaging San Diegans with the idea that together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
United Way will host its 90th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday, September 21, at the Corky McMillin Companies Event Center in the NTC Promenade. Presented by Wells Fargo, the evening marks the official start of the yearlong celebration, which honors local pioneers and organizations and features inspiring success stories. Former KNSD anchor Marty Levin will emcee the event.
Beginning in 1920 when E.B. Gould Jr. first convened the Community Chest and continuing through decades of transformations, United Way has focused on the changing needs of the community it serves, assessing the most critical issues and establishing strategies to solve them. Throughout its history, United Way has recruited people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to create opportunities for a better life for all.
“We have brought together community leaders, nonprofits, experts, donors and volunteers to solve problems that cannot be solved by one organization,” said Board Chair Mark Leslie, vice president of AT&T.
The Live United spirit was instrumental in creating and facilitating some of San Diego’s most indispensable organizations, including: The San Diego Foundation, Volunteer San Diego, LEAD San Diego, 211, Nonprofit Management Solutions, The Children’s Initiative, Regional Task Force on the Homeless San Diego and San Diego Grantmakers.
Today, United Way’s new Community Impact business model works to research and solve specific community issues by deploying proven, measurable strategies that work. Under the umbrellas of Education, Income and Health, the organization focuses on stopping child abuse and neglect; promoting financial stability and independence; and homeless outreach and prevention, respectively.
“We serve our most vulnerable citizens by collaborating with effective community partners that can track results,” said President and CEO Doug Sawyer. “Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place.”
In addition to Wells Fargo, a strong local and national corporate partner, sponsors include: Bridgepoint Education, General Dynamics/NASSCO, Hunter Industries, Irving Hughes, Kaiser Permanente, The Leichtag Family Foundation, Manpower, Pfizer, Solar Turbines and The San Diego Foundation. Media sponsors are Cox, NBC 7/39, Time Warner Cable and The San Diego Union-Tribune.
“For the last 90 years, the United Way has been dedicated to serving the San Diego community, and I’m proud to say that Wells Fargo has been a long time partner and supporter,” said Joe Mishriki, Wells Fargo regional president for the South San Diego market and United Way board member. “Our partnership with the United Way is an integral part of Wells Fargo’s efforts to promote financial literacy and create economic growth and prosperity in San Diego.”
Special 90th anniversary events – including a series of outdoor photography exhibits, fundraising activities and volunteer opportunities – will be scheduled throughout the year. For more information, visit the United Way of San Diego website.
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